Julian Hosts First Explorer Training Camp and Academy

By Amber Ward

The Julian Volunteer Fire Department and the Julian Firefighter Explorers hosted its first Explorer Training Camp and Academy on April 7. The Explorer Program offers local youth first-hand experience in the fields of emergency medical and fire services. Fire Explorer cadets are invited to ride along with paramedics and firefighters, and train side by side with the first responders in fire and rescue situations.

The Ramona Explorers, Palomar Mountain Explorers and Julian Explorers were invited to attend the fire academy. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection in Julian also assisted in the training activities.

The students learned about vehicle extrication and participated in wildland and structure fire events. They spent the weekend camped out in tents at Frank Lane Park next to the fire station.

On April 7, the Academy began. Chuck Marin from the CDF station lined-up the cadets and discussed fire service. They practiced putting on their PPE's (personal protective equipment) in a timely manner, and made sure all their gear was in working order. The Palomar Explorer Team arrived after dinner, and together they viewed the instructional video "Storm King," which demonstrates what can go wrong on a fire and stresses the importance of teamwork and maintaining communication at all times. The night was rounded out with a campfire and discussion about the next day's activities.

On Saturday, the cadets were awakened at 5:30 a.m., lined-up and sent to begin early morning PTs (physical training), push-ups, jumping-jacks and a jog around Julian. After breakfast they went to Ramona to begin vehicle extrication training. After two hours of classroom time, they were off to tear-up cars. Ramona Auto Dismantling donated five old cars for the Explorers to use to learn how to use the "Jaws of Life." The Explorers returned to Julian for dinner, along with three of Ramona's Explorers.

Sunday, the last day of the Academy, was spent training in Julian. The day began at 5 a.m. with physical training and a long hike. After breakfast the Explorers were again joined by two more Ramona Explorers and one more from San Diego. After being broken into two teams, they practiced structure protection, learned how to hook up to a fire hydrant, practiced search and rescue, and did wildland fire hose lays.

The Fire Training and Academy weekend was topped off with a hose laying race and a huge water fight. All who participated agreed that the event was a great success and felt that it should be held more often.