Hello

[cdnbacon]

Some what new to firehall.com. I've been a volunteer fire fighter for about nine and half years now. I started in Qualicum Beach, BC when I was 16.

In September of 2002 I went to school in Fairbanks, Alaska to take a Wildland Fire Control program. While I was up there I managed to get on a fire department just outside of North Pole, Alaska called the Northstar Volunteer Fire Dept. It's made up of paid and volunteers members. My role was a live-in firefighter. In exchange for free rent at the fire station i put in a 24 on/48 off shift. Some of the members included ex Full-time Seattle and FDNY firefighters so I was able to learn a lot of stuff.

In the Summer of 2003 I started with the British Columbia Forest Service on the Port Alberni Thunderbird Unit Crew. I don't know if there will be another summer that will compare to that summer.

I'm back on Qualicum Beach Fire Dept. now and I will be trying to complete my 1001, 1002, maybe a few other courses as well as trying to take primary care paramedic course.

P.S. I thought Ladder 49 was disappointing.

[DFCSmash]

Well cdnbacon, welcome to the Firehall. Hope you enjoy your time in here. Remember, don't just lurk, participate. It's more fun that way. Just like your other hall, you may have to grow your skin a little thick from time to time. We're mostly friendly. But with an edge. ;)

[LTPVFD]

Welcome aboard cdnbacon. Like DFC Smash says, don't just lurk, but participate in the forums. The more that participate, the more information is exchanged. Lots of great ideas out there, and we can all learn from each other.

Stay safe !!

From your neighbour just down the highway...Sorry, haven't seen Ladder 49 yet, but do see Ladder 41 on an almost daily basis!!

LTPVFD :)

[iamvff]

Welcome to the neighborhood, you have all of my respect because I have gone to afew nasty brush/bush fires, and you couldn't pay me enough to fight forest fires. That has to be some of the toughest work out there, in my opinion.

Have a good one
be safe
iamvff

[bestcoast]

I agree. I was up in Kelowna in 2003 and saw first hand the provincial forest firefighters in action and that is hard back breaking work .....BC...

[firebabs222]

although I have limited experiance when it comes to Brush fires, a couple of years back we had a doozey. The river valley in Edmonton runs through most of the city, and we have had parts of it burn before. But the day that this fire broke out along the Valley, we had 18 of 23 pumps , plus rescue and Ladder crews working to put it out. We had homes that were in the valley catching on fire and some civilians, helping us out because of lack of man power. Lugging hose(44mm) through the trees while wearing bunker pants and rubber boots was hell. Needless to say, EFD was not set up(gear wise)to fight these types of fires. Since this incident, we all got issued two sets of coveralls,a light weight helmut, wildland gloves and leather Haix firefighting boots..... I have nothing but respect for wildland firefighters, they work hard for a living, that's for sure.

[FFWannabe]

Welcome cdnbacon! Sounds like you've been a busy lad! ;) How was Alaska? I keep threatening to apply to a Northern fire department.. my poor daughter just about has a fit! hahaha!

Once again, welcome aboard!

Sue :)

[cdnbacon]

Alaska was an experience. I comne from Vancouver Island. The coldest I've ever seenit here was about -10 up there it was getting to -40 with the windchill. Whenever water got on your turnout gear up there it would freeze in about in one minute. The ice would insulate you and keep you warm though. Dealing with the Americans was also an experience in itself.;) Overall it was awesome.

[JoJobrat]

Welcome to the forums. I'm glad you liked us Americans. I am not a firefighter. More like a fire starter. I have managed to set the kitchen a blaze twice. I have dug fire breaks however when the ranch was in danger. I am just thankful to all of you great gals and guys who are willing to put out my kitchen messes.

[cdnbacon]

Sweet! I have an avatar now!

[cdnbacon]

Please no jokes about my hand on his cup. I've had enough of those.

[iamvff]

Please no jokes about my hand on his cup. I've had enough of those.

You know they say if you touch the cup you'll never play in the NHL..eh. You may as well just hang up the ole skates right now!! :D

be safe
iamvff

[cdnbacon]

Kurt Browning has a better chance at getting in the NHL then I do so I'm not to upset.