Photo By Tech. Sgt. Bradly Schneider | North Dakota National Guard's 1st Lt. Jonathan Fankhanel (left), Pelican Rapids,...... read more read more
By Capt. Penny Ripperger
119th Wing
FARGO, N.D. – Airmen and soldiers from the North Dakota National Guard participated in “Red Card” Wildland Fire Behavior and Firefighting Training, May 4-6, at the 119th Wing’s Regional Training Site in Fargo. The training was conducted by the North Dakota Forest Service, teaching fire tactics and emergency response in the event the National Guard is asked to respond to wildland fires.
“This is the annual basic introduction to wildfire training,” said Sarah Tunge, fire manager with the North Dakota Forest Service. “We’ve had an excellent partnership with the Guard. It gives us a chance to get these individuals trained should we ever need to call on additional resources in an emergency.”
The firefighting lessons were conducted through classroom training and field exercises, which covered terminology, fire behavior, weather factors and fire shelters.
“The first day of class focused on weather and some of the basics of fire behavior, prepping the students for situations that they might come see in the field,” said Tunge. “The second day dealt with the tools of firefighting, how we’re organized, situations you may encounter on the fire line and how to suppress fires. On the last day, we do a field day.”
In addition to the classroom training, a three-mile march with a 45-pound pack is also required to pass the course. Students had 45 minutes to complete the test without running, which proved to be challenging for some.
“The rucksack march was the hardest part, walking that distance at a fast pace and not being able to run made it a lot tougher than I expected,” said Sgt. Levi Whipple, of Fargo, a member of the Edgeley and Wishek-based 815th Engineering Company (Horizontal).
On Sunday, the Guard students continued with more field exercises using hand tools to demonstrate methods of suppressing wildland fires. One exercise consisted of creating a fire line, individuals working together to clear out vegetation by ditching the ground a width 2 ½ times the height of the impending fire.
“It’s hard work, but it feels good knowing you’re helping your community, and that makes it well worth the effort,” Whipple added.
At the completion of the training, the 29 Airmen and soldiers earned their certification in Red Card Training. Thirty nine Guardsmen were trained in Bismarck last month.
“Because this is a national certification, Guard members can perform wildland fire fighter duties in other states,” said Maj. Shannon Horton, training and exercise officer with the North Dakota National Guard.
Once a person is “Red Card” certified, they only need to take a one-day course annually to maintain their certification. This year, about half of the Guard’s 66 “Red Card” holders were recertifications.
When asked if he will recertify next year, Whipple responded, “Yes, I will definitely do this again.”
We are proud of the Guardsmen that step-up to volunteer for this extra duty,” Horton added.
| Date Taken: | 05.06.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 05.08.2012 16:09 |
| Story ID: | 88109 |
| Location: | FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA, US |
| Web Views: | 61 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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