THE REPORTER PHOTOSTORYApril 25, 2011 ////// 10

VISIT US ONLINE: WWW.MDC.EDU/THEREPORTER

THE REPORTER PHOTOSTORYApril 25, 2011 ////// 11

VISIT US ONLINE: WWW.MDC.EDU/THEREPORTER

Helmet—$250

SCBA—$3,500

Bunker Coat—$750

Bunker Pants—$750

Total—$6,825

Boots—$150

SCBA Mask—$250

Flashlight—$125

Gloves—$65

Radio—$950Hood—$35

Keeping It CoolParticipants in the training exercises are equipped with a myriad of safety equipment. Here’s a brief breakdown of the equipment, and its cost.

SOURCE: Mike McCAnn, PROgRAM MAnAgeR Of THe SCHOOl Of fiRe & enviROnMenTAl SCienCeS AT nORTH CAMPuSRESEARCH: AleXAnDRA De ARMAS—GRAPHICS: lAZARO gAMiO—All PHOTOS: MARk PulASki

Visit us online to see an interactive graphic on the fire academy equipment.

Interactive Graphic

First-Hand ExperienceVisit us online to see video of live-fire exercises at Miami Dade College’s Fire Academy.

Breaking Down The ProcessFire Academy students go through different steps during live-fire scenarios, beginning with a preliminary exam and eventually putting out fires in the interior of a practice Burn Building. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

First, they learn the theory of fire behavior using their textbooks. After passing an exam with an 80 percent or better, students move on to practice with live-fire scenarios.

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Next they move to the exterior flange fire. Stu-dents are responsible to extinguish a propane fire, controlled by instructors. The objective of this project is to learn how to shut the fuel source out and eventually extinguish the fire.

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Using a fire extinguisher training tool, students first apply theories and practical applications of fire behavior and how to extinguish a fire during live-fire drills.

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Students must contain and extinguish a propane fire on the vehicle prop in three areas: engine compartment, passenger compartment and trunk. This fire is also controlled by the instructors.

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Students then go to the second floor of the Burn Building. On this floor, students experience what it’s like to wear full protective gear in a room where temperatures reach up to 500-degrees Fahrenheit. They observe real interior fire behavior. Instructors extinguish the fire with a hose, while students observe steam expansion.

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Finally, on the first floor of the Burn Building, students are able to exercise fire-extinguishing techniques using three large propane fire props: kitchen cabinet, a couch and a stove. The objective of this project is for students to learn coordination on an interior attack, hose management and awareness during interior firefighting operations.

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Up In FlamesFIRE ACADEMY

The Miami Dade College Fire Academy at North Campus has been educating and training students since 1982. Students at the Academy learn firefighting skills inside and outside the classroom. Eighty percent of Miami-Dade county’s employed firefighters were trained at the MDC Fire Academy. The Reporter joined students as they practiced firefighting skills in live-fire excersises.

The Block Is Hot: The students’ first main test against a live-fire is a gas-pipe prop where the students had to suppress flames in order to reach a shutoff valve to then extinguish the fire.

Flame On: Since 1982, the Miami Dade College Fire Academy has been educating students hoping to become firefighters. An estimated 80 percent of current employed firefighters in Miami-Dade County have passed through the program.

lean On Me: The ratio of students to instructors is six to one. This ensures the personal supervision required to train the students in a safe manner.

Hot Under The Hood: Students had to fight the flames in simulated scenarios of various car fires.

Quenching The Fire: A wide spray pattern is used in order to suppress gas-fueled fires.

Hose Management: Instructors are always nearby to assure the students’ safety.