Fort Simpson (July 21/06) - If a forest fire breaks out in the Deh Cho there are now 36 more people ready to help fight it.

Emergency firefighter training was held in both Fort Simpson and Fort Liard during the end of June and beginning of July by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR).

Thirty-nine people in the two communities took the free three-day course. Fort Simpson had nine graduates while Fort Liard had 27, said instructor Kelly Pennycook, a forest fire technician with ENR.

"It went pretty smoothly. The students seemed eager," said Pennycook.

Trainees learned both theory and practical skills. Theory lessons included fire behaviour, command and organization structures, water application and fire line construction.

For hands-on experience, the trainees learned about chainsaw operations and safety, pumps and helicopter safety. Fighting forest fires is hard work, but the profession isn't limited to men. Four of the nine graduates in Fort Simpson were women.

"They seemed more enthusiastic and excited to learn," said Pennycook.

Danita Martineau, one of the trainees, decided to take the course because she thought it would be fun out on a fire.

"All the outdoor work was fun," said Martineau.

While none of the components of the course were

overly challenging, Martineau said digging trenches was hard work especially because it was hot out. The trenches were part of the fire line construction.

For Autumn Cli who also took the course, the hardest part was remembering everything she learned in three days.

Both Martineau and Cli say they are eager to go out on their first fire.

The certification is valid for two years.