Local leaders try out firefighting

In tough economic times, it's not unusual for individuals to take on added responsibilities.

Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker and other local leaders donned fire gear over the weekend and stood side by side with firefighters to battle flames as part of "Fire Ops 101." The training exercise, hosted by the Salt Lake Fire Department at its training tower at 1600 S. Industrial Road, was meant to promote awareness among city and state officials.

"Today is a chance for us to bring out elected officials — the ones who make the decisions — and allow them an opportunity to see what we do, day in and day out," said Deputy Fire Chief Devin Villa.

A total of 40 people, including Salt Lake City Council members and state legislators, suited up in 60 pounds of firefighting gear and then put out blazes in buildings and cars. They also cut cars to practice extrication.

"We're getting a good feel for what our fire departments do and the amazing skill they bring to try and keep our communities safe," said Becker.

All exercises were overseen by firefighters and were done in a controlled environment, but that did not make the experiences less daunting.

"Climbing up with oxygen and full gear and going into a room that's on fire and trying to keep your wits about you — even though we know this is just a practice — gives me, who's not a firefighter, a feel for the kind of conditions that a firefighter faces," the mayor said.

In addition to staring down real flames, participants had to climb the aerial ladder, extending from a fire truck below, to fight a fire on the fifth floor of the training building.

"I didn't climb the ladder this time," said Rep. Jennifer Seelig, D-Salt Lake. "I had the chance to do it before. I got halfway up and made the mistake of looking down."

The fire hose, with its 100 pounds of pressure exerted at the nozzle, proved another formidable foe. Since a normal garden hose exerts around 35 pounds of pressure, firefighters helped trainees keep the fire hose in line and made sure it did not get out of control.

"The hose was a lot heavier than I expected," said Seelig. "I had no idea that all this was involved in fighting fires."

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