Gear up: Firefighters prepare reporter for FireOps101 event

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Firefighters kick off preparation for FireOps101, a one-day emergency operations orientation where participants fight a real fire, climb a 100-foot ladder, perform CPR and use the jaws of life.

Firefighter Matthew Carlson said part of the event is also wearing the real gear that firefighters use on the daily.

“During the academy, we train and we practice essentially every day. So by the end of the academy, our guys and girls are quick, like within a minute, they’ve got all their gear on and then 30 seconds out the door,” Carlson said.

He added essential items to have are pants, coat, gloves, helmet, a mask and an air pack.

“We wear all this gear in a structure fire so we don’t get burned. It keeps us safe,” Carlson added.

The FireOps101 event, which takes place over the weekend, also demonstrates the required knowledge, skills and ability of professional firefighters, as well as the inherent risks they face every day.

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