Training Held to Bring More Firefighters to Scenic City

A home fully engulfed in flames kept firefighters busy earlier today.  It was a training session for new fire cadets.

And the need for more firefighters is bringing about the construction of a new fire hall in Lookout Valley.

One by one each of the firefighters in training got their turn to battle the house fire which stood fully engulfed with flames. Within just ten minutes, it was destroyed.

"This is great training for us. Something that we don't really have at the training center. We have the opportunity to go inside a house that we're not so familiar with," says Dan Bryan, a fire cadet.

This fire exercise is certainly good experience for the 23 cadets, but it's also good news for more experienced firefighters - because it signifies that the trainees are almost ready to contribute.

"It just ensures not only the safety of the community, but it ensures the safety of the firefighters when we operate with adequate staffing," says Mack Moore.

Mack Moore is the fire training chief for this fire academy. He's anxious for the young cadets to join the fire team.

In December, there were 14 fires in just 9 days.

As early as next week, a brand new fire station will open in Tiftonia because of growth in that area.

Today's training, got these cadets a step closer to fighting fires.

"When you get something like this, it's a new structure for them, they're not familiar with it, and it's the most realistic thing that they can encounter without responding to an actual fire," says Deputy Fire Chief Chris Adams.

For Ashli Reed, her dream of becoming a firefighter will soon be a reality. 1 of just 2 women in the academy training to play her part in giving back.

"I just love that feeling of just being able to help someone that can't help themselves," says Reed.

"It kind of heightens everyone's intensity level and heightens our firefighting abilities," says fire cadet Kenneth Martin.

And as each of the cadets posed for their live fire training photo - It's the skills to put out fires and save lives they learned today, they'll never forget.

"It's the best job in the world, I'm really looking forward to being out," says Dan Bryan.

Those 23 cadets are expected to graduate from their Fire Academy on May 17th.

The house used for the burning was donated by a local homeowner.