Faber Refresher Review

I want to thank everyone who took the time to attend the annual Faber Refresher Training on Sunday, November 7th.  It was good to see the crew get together with a commitment to staying safe and being well trained.  The following is a review from the training and some pictures that Martha Warring had taken during the day.

The day started at 07:00 with crew members completing all the usual paperwork and then heading outside to begin the physical fitness testing.  The temperature was a brisk 28 degrees when the first group got started.  The sun finally started to quickly warm things up for the following groups.



Once everyone worked their way through the pack-test and reassembled inside, the crew was welcomed by L.E Rhodes (Albemarle Co.).  Martha Warring (Nelson Co.) then reviewed personal protective equipment that is required on the fireline.  Martha also updated the crew on any new policy and procedure changes that may affect the crew.

Paul Stoneburner (Madison Co.) showed a video called "Attack From The Black".  The video was produced by the Texas Forest Service and included sand-table reenactments of actual fires with a discussions from the firefighters who were on the scene. The objective of the video was to help firefighters think about initial attack strategies, contingency plans and identifing safety zones.

Derek Keiser (Amherst Co.) discused postion descriptions as a part-time firefighter with the Department of Forestry.  Derek presented some upcoming training opportunities that will be available locally.

The final classroom presentation was from David Powell (Central Region) on wildland/ urban interface.  David discussed safety issues, the importance of a thorough size-up and tactical stratagies when fighting wildfires in woodland communities.

As usual, lunch was BBQ with all the fixins'. 

The remainder of the day was spent outside rotating through the dozer, hummer/engine and fire shelter deployment stations.



Jimmy K. Finishing Another Lap

The Chow Line

Houston Roberts and L.E. Rhodes Discussing Pre-Trip Inspections and Dozer Tactics



Using Teamwork to Maneuver the Hummer Through an Obstacle Course



Paul Stoneburner Giving a Review of Engine 605

 

Donnie T. Trying to Figure Out Which End Goes Up?











Make Up Pack Test

Amherst County Make up Pack Test

I have 3 dates for make up pack test.

Tonight November 15 @6.
Sunday November 28 @4.
Sunday December 12 @ 4.

Meet at the Amherst Office with all your required paperwork (copies of ID, voided check,etc.)

Contact: Derek Keiser to register for a make up
derek.keiser@dof.virginia.gov
434-946-7955 (Amherst Office)

S-130, S-190 & I-100 Training Opportunity

The Virginia Department of Forestry is Offering the Following Courses:

S-130 Firefighter Training
S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
I-100  Introduction to ICS

Dates:      

January 13, 2011              18:30-20:30                        Nelson Co. Public Library

Introductory Session and Hand Out Materials

                     

March 4, 2011                    18:30-20:30                        Nelson Co. Public Library

Final Written Exam

March 5, 2011                     07:00-17:30                       Lesesne State Forest, Nelson Co.

Physical Fitness Testing and Field Exercises

Registration is required as there are a limited amount of seats.

Contact the Amherst County VDOF office at 434-946-7955 with questions or to sign up

DEADLINE TO REGISTER: December 30, 2010

These three courses are required under the National Wildfire Coordination Group (NWCG) guidelines to become a Type II wildland firefighter.  The course will encompass 8 weeks of distance learning followed by a final exam and a day of field exercises.  In order to receive credit for the course, you are required to complete the following: ALL materials presented in the web-based course,  answer ALL quizzes, answer ALL study guide questions, watch ALL videos, read ALL reading assignments, receive a grade of 70% or higher on all three written exams, and fully participate in ALL field exercises.  No fire experience or volunteer fire department affiliation is needed to participate in this training course.