Weyburn’s local firefighters learn about their duties and refine their skills at the Weyburn Fire Associations training area adjacent to the fire hall. President of the WFA, Mike Hudson says the area was created thanks to the inspiration of their training officer.
“Our training officer had a vision about three years ago. We were just out in the open, we just put the cars there and worked on them. Now we have an area where we can do it all. He's had a vision, and we've just kept building on it. Every year we add more and more to it, and it's been growing into something that we're proud of.”
Hudson explains that the area hosts a variety of training opportunities and allows new members to gain hands on experience and practice in emergency situations, and veteran members to refine and maintain their skills.
“We do vehicle extrication, so one area it's all blocked off. We cut apart cars, gives us hands-on experience. The next area is search and rescue, we have a trailer where we block out our masks and we search and rescue in that area. And then the third area is for live burns. It's got a burn pen and it simulates a structure fire.”
The comprehensive space is utilized every Wednesday when the WFA holds a weekly training night. Hudson says this is especially useful now as they have some newer additions to the association.
“We're always looking to improve our skills every week. That's why we practice every Wednesday, so when it does become live and someone's in need, we're good to go.”
“We have quite a few new people that have joined the association over the last month or two and we’re giving them the chance to see if they really like it and want to join the fire department.”
Hudson credits the success and growth of the training area to the support they’ve received from around the community. This includes support for their fundraising events, and donations from local businesses or organizations.
“Our community support has been wonderful for this.”
“I'd like to thank everybody who's donated. It's been greatly appreciated. We've had the credit union donate through their grant, we had the oil show board also donate, Veren has donated, Whitecap has donated and Swayze's have donated.”
One recent donation was for eight concrete barriers, used to barricade the live burn area.
Anyone looking to support the WFA and their training facility , or explore opportunities to get involved can stop by the fire hall. Hudson says they’re happy to provide a tour of the training area.
“We're always looking for donations and any little bit helps, that's for sure.”