On April 22, it was an action-packed evening on the WRVC campus as our Firefighting students stepped up to the line for a high-intensity propane fire burn! From 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the campus was transformed into a premier training ground where students learned the specialized tactics required to handle Class B fires. Under the expert guidance of Lieutenant (retired) Brooks and Captain Joe Carroll of the Presumpscott Fire Academy, students utilized a propane training prop to practice high-stakes suppression. A huge thanks to the Maine Fire Service Institute for providing the essential equipment and to the Gorham Fire Department for providing the fire truck... expertly manned by WRVC alumnus Noah Mains.
This event was a true community effort, fueled by the generous instructors from the Presumpscott Valley Firefighters Association (PVFA), including former student Brandon Gordon. We were especially proud to have parent-professional support on-site from Captain Scott Krum of the Portland Fire Department and Deputy Chief Kiesman of the Biddeford Fire Department. For a new firefighter, mastering a propane burn is a vital rite of passage. It requires precise nozzle techniques to create a "water shield," protecting the team as they advance to close the fuel source valve.
Learning to respect the intense heat while maintaining calm, disciplined communication is the hallmark of a great first responder. Our students handled the pressure with total professionalism, and we are incredibly grateful to the local departments, the PVFA, and our firefighting families for making this "real-world" education possible. Great job, everyone!