May 31
• The department is continually recruiting for new volunteer responders and administrative support. If anyone is interested, please fill out a BFD Volunteer Application Packet today.
• The department will be conducting a Firefighter-1 course in Summer 2023. If interested in attending this training to become a Volunteer Firefighter, please call the fire station.
• New staff and volunteers are receiving continuous Driver/Operator training on the handling characteristics, operation of specialty equipment, care and maintenance, and emergency operational procedures of the department’s ambulances and fire apparatus.
• Staff have completed several online, classroom, and skill drill trainings covering various topics including firefighting, emergency medical treatment, fire inspection, fire investigation, and fire prevention.
• Staff have conducted several drills on firefighting and EMS knowledge and skills during each shift.
• On 05/11/2023 at 7:00 p.m., there was a Fire Meeting held at the fire station. Responders were provided with an overview of the department’s new MARSARS Ice Rescue Sled System (IRSS) components, maintenance, and rescue response procedures. Responders conducted several live ice water rescue scenario evolutions involving various conscious and unconscious victims in the Small Boat Harbor.
• On 05/25/2023 at 7:00 p.m., there was a Fire Meeting held at the fire station. Personnel reviewed the department’s current events and prepped a 20’ metal shipping container for an upcoming live burn fire behavior and suppression drill.
• On 05/27/2023 at 2:00 p.m., Firefighters conducted a live burn fire behavior and suppression drill in a 20’ metal shipping container near the fire station. Firefighters were able to observe the four stages of fire development with a flashover, perform grade-level fire suppression drills, and practiced conducting overhaul of the burned materials to ensure they were fully extinguished.
• The department has completed the State of Alaska EMT-2 course in April. All four staff members passed the practical skills and written examinations, and have received their certification as EMT-2’s. Well done!
• The department has scheduled an MSA Certified Airmask Repair Technician (CARE) course in July. The course will certify our staff to maintain, test, and make repairs to our department’s MSA G1 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) units.
• Between 05/01/2023 and 05/31/2023, the Bethel Fire Department responded to 128 EMS and 17 Fire incidents.
