TROUT LAKE - An initiative by two Jean Marie River firefighters has led to stronger skills for firefighters in both Nahanni Butte and Trout Lake.

Earl Hope, left, Nahanni Butte Fire Chief; Arnold Gargan, Jean Marie River Fire Chief; Brian Kotchea, Trout Lake acting Fire Chief; and Ronnie Kotchea, Trout Lake assistant Fire Chief; discuss how to draw water from a portable tank through a pump and into hoses. Firefighters spent a day updating their skills in Trout Lake. - photo courtesy of Arnold Gargan

On May 24, Arnold Gargan, Jean Marie River volunteer Fire Chief and Gerald Grossetete, assistant Fire Chief, led a one-day firefighter skills development training course in Trout Lake. Course participants included Earl Hope, volunteer Fire Chief from Nahanni Butte and Steven Vital, along with seven Trout Lake volunteer firefighters.

Gargan got the idea for the training after a similar course was held in Jean Marie River in April. Because all three small communities have the same equipment, pumps and quick response vehicles, Gargan said it made sense to share the skills.

"It was a really good day," he said.

By including lots of hands-on experience, the training was targeted for small communities. Hands-on training is easier for many people to understand than classroom lessons, said Gargan. He added he was impressed by how quickly the course participants picked up the information.

"Holy smokes, they get it right away," said Gargan.

Participants were taught the skills that they'll need to take the five-day course to become certified as defensive firefighters. That course involves a lot of classroom work that people often find more difficult, said Gargan.

Over the course of the day, participants reviewed how to use their quick response vehicle and pump, how to draft water from a port-a-tank or lake and how to use a ladder safely. The firefighters also practiced wearing their gear and a self-contained breathing apparatus.

"The main thing was safety," said Gargan.

The course was also designed to get people interested and build the firefighters' confidence, he said.

"They had a good time," Gargan said.

To put their updated skills into practice, Dennis Deneron organized a surprise by starting a grass fire in an open area. He then phoned the fire hall like it was a real fire.

Participants were able to practice using a hose and various nozzle patterns while they put out the blaze, said Gargan.

"That was a good practice for the new volunteers," said Brian Kotchea, the acting Fire Chief in Trout Lake.

The training course was helpful and updated many people's skills, said Kotchea.

"It turned out good," he said.

The training was exciting because it developed out of the initiative of fire chief Arnold Gargan, said Tyrone Larkin, the assistant fire marshal for the Deh Cho region. Larkin said he expects to see more local initiatives as the new deal gives communities greater local control and self-reliance.

Following the success of this course, Gargan said he'd like to follow up with a two-day enhanced training course in Nahanni Butte.