Vlog#2

Humorous Firefighting Joke #2

Three firefighter went out on a hunting trip. There was a rookie, a captain, and a chief. The weather was miserable and they hadn't seen any deer all day. Finally they came across an old shack where they went inside to play a game of poker.

After loosing a couple of hands, the probie threw down his cards and said “That does it! I am going out to get me a deer.”

Fifteen minutes later, the rookie came back with a nice four point buck. The captain and the chief asked, “How did you get that?”

The rookie replied, “I walked out fifty feet, followed some tracks and shot this buck.” The captain then said, “I've had enough of this I am going to get my deer.” He came back a half hour later with a 6 point buck.

The chief asked, “How did you get that?” The captain then replied, I walked out a hundred feet, followed some tracks and shot this buck.

The chief not wanting to be out done said, “I’m out of here, I’m going to bag the biggest buck of the day.” He came back an hour later, all mangled up and bloody. The rookie and the captain asked, “What happened to you?”

The chief replied, "I walked out there five hundred feet, followed some tracks, and got hit by a train! 
By: 30 Funniest Firefighting Jokes

Humerous Firefighter Joke #1

A fire started on some grassland near a farm in Indiana. The fire department from the nearby town was called to put the fire out. The fire proved to be more than the small town fire department could handle, so someone suggested that a rural volunteer fire department be called. Though there was doubt that they would be of any assistance, the call was made. The volunteer fire department arrived in a dilapidated old fire truck. They drove straight towards the fire and stopped in the middle of the flames. The volunteer firemen jumped off the truck and frantically started spraying water in all directions. Soon they had snuffed out the center of the fire, breaking the blaze into two easily controllable parts. The farmer was so impressed with the volunteer fire department’s work and so grateful that his farm had been spared, that he presented the volunteer fire department with a check for $1000. A local news reporter asked the volunteer fire captain what the department planned to do with the funds. “That should be obvious,” he responded, “the first thing we re gonna do is get the brakes fixed on that stupid fire truck.
BY: Funny Firefighter Jokes

Interview with Kyle C. (a local firefighter)

Q: Why did you decide to become a firefighter? 

A: I have always lived in Fortuna and would see the fireman at the Fireman's games and around town. I though they were good for the community and I liked giving back to the community. I was  approached by a member of the department to come check things out one day and jumped at   the opportunity.

Q: What steps did you take to become one?
A: There were really no initial steps I took but once in the department there were lots of training, academies, and people to help me learn.Q: What is the most memorable memory you've had?
 A: I think my very first real structure fire will always stick in my mind the most. We got called out to a mutual aid in Carlotta and when we arrived there was a house that was fully involved. I was able to grab a hose and start putting out the fire. While we knew that there was no saving the house at that point it was still very neat to be able to have the ability to control something so powerful.Q: What advice could you give to someone who wants to become a firefighter or a related profession?A: These days there are lots of opportunities for younger people to get involved. There is the fire fighter explorer program, fire science classes, and academies right here in our back yard. I would tell them to go to one of these places and sit through a couple meetings or classes and try to see if it something for them.Q: What is the most dangerous thing you've done on the job?
A: I remember being on a roof working on cutting a ventilation hole when not more than 10 feet from the roof started to give away and fall into the house with burning fire underneath. I was able to retreat safely and advise a new plan to accomplish what we needed.
Q: What precautions do you do to prevent injuries?
A: Safety is our number one concern with everything we do. Whether it be training, classes, or real emergencies it all goes back to safe work practices. We always practice with safety built in and try to train like it is a real emergency so when the emergency happens our training will take over and keep us safe.Q: What special equipment do you use to find lost people?
A: We have a couple of different ways : One of which is what we call a TIC (Thermal Imagining Camera) and what it does is uses and infra red source to find different heat sources. We would be able to use that to see if a body or person was anywhere in the room or building. The second is the old fashion going in and finding someone. We would crawl into a house hugging the wall and using a sweeping motion to locate people. We use our hose as a guide and always keep it besides us as it will lead us out.Q: Do you enjoy working as a firefighter?
A: Being a volunteer firefighter is something I enjoy a lot. I like the whole fire aspect of it but I also like the community aspect of it also. I like know that our small community looks at us to be able to help them in  a time of need and be ready to run into a burning building while others are running out.
Q: How long do you plan on being a firefighter?
A: At my current state into the fire department I have 7 years in. I would like to at least achieve 20 or 25 years in the department, but i also know that time will only tell. Eventually our department will be paid and not have as many volunteers so I will just have to see how it goes.
Q: Did someone or something inspire you?
A: Like I said earlier I was inspired at a young age with the involvement and brotherhood that I saw with the fire department, and my mentor who brought me in also helped lead me in a positive direction.
Q: Are you happy you choose such a dangerous job?
A: Yes, I am. Most of the time I don't really think of it as a dangerous job. I know that I can rely on my training experience and knowledge to help me through problems. I do like the rush that goes along with it and like it when we are rushing to a call or running into a burning building.
Q: Did you know that you are a real hero whether you know it or not?
A: I never consider myself a hero. I just do something that I enjoy and take pride in knowing that we get to help people, but thank you.

Interview with Fire Chief

How long have you been involved in the fire service?
Fortuna Fire Chief Lon Winburn has been involved in the fire service for 29 years and is currently the head chief he became a paid chief in 2010.
What made you want to join the fire department?
I joined the fire department because I like to help my community and protect my family and the rest of the local business. also i joined because he wanted to serve his community.
What advice would you give if someone was interested in being a firefighter?
i would say that you can be whatever you want as long as you commit yourself to it and set your mind to it. also he said that we will teach you all you need to know and make you very successful.
how long do you plan on being a firefighter?
i plan to be a fire chief until i am to old to do it anymore or cant think.

Guest Blog #2

Firefighting is an extremely dangerous occupation to have. Not only do they fight actual fires, they have to deal with smoke, hot embers, falling objects, and collapsing floors. They often have a few precious minutes to get occupants safely out of burning structures. Modern firefighters have a full set of gear that helps protect them during their potentially dangerous work. The fire helmet is a very important part of their uniform, being made with durable heat resistant materials that protect from heat and falling objects. Turnout pants and jackets are made out of two layer fabric to repel heat and wick away any moisture that gets inside. Turnout pants and jackets are usually bright orange, yellow, or silver stripes to make it easier to see through smoke. Gloves are another important part of their protective equipment. Their gloves are highly insulated and go past their wrist to safely handle hot objects. To protect their feet they wear thick waterproof boots that are usually reinforced with steel or another metal alloy in the toes and soles to protect from sharp debris. A self-contained breathing apparatus is standard protective gear for firefighters at most fire departments. The breathing apparatus includes a mask with a hose connected to a tank filled with breathable air. Just in case a firefighter need helps or gets trapped, they have Personal Alert Safety System, or PASS, which is a device worn by a firefighter that activates the small transmitter. The signal emitted from the PASS transmitter enables rescuers to pinpoint the location of a firefighter, even in a burning building.
By: Alexis Camacho

Guest Blogger #1

Fire technology is used to stop fires and help save lives.  Here in Fortuna, we don’t have as many fires as more populated areas do. We have three fire stations that I know of. The Cal Fire station, the Fortuna Volunteer station, and another station in Campton Heights are all local stations. I personally have never been involved in a fire. Many people owe their lives to the firefighters in our city for saving their lives. I am glad to know we have the latest technology to help save my life if I am ever caught in a fire.
                I think the most important thing in fire technology is fire suits. Fire suits protect the fire fighters from burns and extreme heat. Without them they would not be able to rescue civilians from burning buildings or vehicles. Similar suits are also used in steel factories and forges to protect the workers from heat. Metal fabrication is a hobby of mine and I have worked with suits of similar purpose. With these suits, firefighters can be nearly submerged in flames. Keeping them safe and allowing them to grab any survivors in a fire that need help.
                One of my classmates is an active firefighter. His name is Tanner Mendes and he works for Campton Heights Volunteer Fire Department. Tanner has been doing this for a couple years. He says he really likes being able to help save lives when needed and is passionate about what they do. Tanner plans on continuing with the department for his career as long as possible. Being chief or captain is his goal and he hopes to reach it someday.    

By: Cameron Dewell