FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, June 5, 2007

 CONTACT: Brooke Bohnenkamp, Public Information Office, 605.773.3178

 

Pierre, S.D. -More than six-hundred firefighters will attend South Dakota’s State Fire School in Ft. Pierre this weekend. New on tap for the 2007 fire school is specialized training in how to handle livestock emergencies such as trailer crashes, fires and animal rescue.

 

“Livestock is big business in South Dakota, and it is not uncommon to have a trailer full of animals tip over or have an outbuilding with livestock catch fire. This training will teach first responders about calming and capturing animals and euthanasia protocol,” said Tom Jaros, Deputy State Fire Marshal.

 

Fire school will also feature burn trailers that simulate real-life fires to give firefighters hands on experience and a better understanding of how to react during a fire.

 

“It’s one thing to learn about fire in a textbook, but it’s a whole different story to actually go into a house and fight one,” said Jaros. “These trailers are a great learning tool because they allow the firefighters to work on their technique and practice survival tactics.”

 

Instructors are coming from all over the country to offer training on firefighter and first responder safety. Training on other issues, such as meth labs, ethanol gas production and fire response is also being offered. The program is open to all firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics and other first responders in the state.

 

Fire School kicks off at noon on Thursday, June 7th with a Trade Show in the Parkview Gym in Fort Pierre. Opening ceremonies begin at 1 p.m. (CST) in the Expo building in Ft. Pierre. The public is encouraged to attend.

Opening ceremonies for the State Fire School will include a tribute to South Dakota firefighters who have passed away during the last year. Governor Rounds will deliver the welcome address.

  

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