NFR members conduct a technical highrise training exercise in downtown Nanaimo on Dec. 12. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

Training day

‘We’re always training:’ Nanaimo Fire Rescue constantly brushing up on skills

Dec 28, 2024 | 6:05 AM

NANAIMO — A team of firefighters scaling down a high rise building to replicate a potential rescue call is another day at the office for Nanaimo Fire Rescue.

The Thursday, Dec. 12 task at the 17-storey apartment building on Chapel St. And Front St. Represents one of many training scenarios by NFR crews.

“Our training calendar is produced a year in advance. Out of 365 days, we realistically we don’t train on about 15 days,” NFR assistant chief David Dales told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Several types of training in a multitude of locations is done, with Dales stating they tune-up their skills in a variety of technical rescue scenarios, hazardous material spills, auto extraction, first-aid.

He said their members also stay up to date on evolving firefighting practices, noting next year their members will be training with a new large suppression blanket for vehicle fires.

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“We incorporate new equipment, new training, new strategies probably every quarter we bring something new that’s available in the fire service we bring to Nanaimo Fire Rescue.”

Assistant chief David Dales responding to a purposely set Oct. 24 fire at Harewood Centennial Park. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Last week a large wildland training exercise focused on interface fires was staged in Nanaimo, with master instructors from the International Association of Firefighters training NFR members.

Dales said training is an essential aspect of their jobs.

“Everyone knows what firefighters are, but no one knows how we do it.”

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