Every Second Counts: Starkville Firefighters Train for Safety, Survival

In Starkville, firefighters pride themselves in understanding the very nature of one of mankind’s oldest foes – fire. This knowledge helps them effectively put out fires and educates the local community on preventive measures.

Training Goes Beyond Physical Demands

At the Starkville Fire Department, the training regimen goes beyond the job’s rigorous physical requirements. Understanding the basics of firefighting is crucial for new members. They take part in instructions relevant to the job, such as learning how to dress correctly, hooking up to a hydrant, handling the line off the truck, reloading the line on the truck, and understanding the technique of extinguishing fires.

During the first two weeks, there’s a lot of material being covered, but it’s the basics of what a firefighter is expected to do on scene. The training not only focuses on physical readiness but also cognitive comprehension, aiming to help the firefighters manage the complexities of fire and how it behaves under different conditions.

Understanding The Science Of Fire

Comprehending the science of fire is essential, particularly in common cooking scenarios like grease fires. The first step after accidentally causing a fire is to turn off the stove, the original heat source. The second step involves smothering the pot to deprive the fire of oxygen, and avoiding water since it can cause grease fires to spread. “Water is horrible for grease fires—it just splashes the grease around, which can make the fire spread,” cautions Arnette.

Continuous Training

The Starkville Fire Department’s training program doesn’t stop at the basics. After the initial training sessions, firefighters must attend a two-week hazardous materials class followed by a seven-week firefighting class at the State Fire Academy. Once they begin their shifts, their training continues under their station officers’ supervision. Continuous training is crucial for the ongoing readiness and safety of the firefighters and the community.

Safety, Survival, and Starkville

Every second counts in the domain of firefighting. The dedicated professionals at the Starkville Fire Department undergo rigorous and continuous training to ensure the community’s safety and their own survival. By educating themselves and the public about fire’s nature, they aim to reduce the occurrence and destructive power of fires in the Starkville area.