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Volunteer firefighters from across Nunavut practise using the highpressure hose under the watchful eye of instructor Doug Moeckl during a Level 2 firefighter course in Rankin Inlet this past month. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

RANKIN INLET - A total of 19 volunteer firefighters from across Nunavut completed their Level 2 firefighter training in Rankin Inlet this past month.

Doug Moeckl of Fire Etc. travelled to Rankin from Vermilion, Alta. to deliver the two-week program.

Moeckl has been involved with firefighting for the past 38 years, 18 of which he's spent training others.

He said the Nunavut participants were a diverse group ranging from people new to firefighting to those already in a fire chief's position.

"The students spent the first week in the classroom learning theory," said Moeckl.

"We talked about building construction because it's very important for them to understand just how quickly a building can fail in a fire.

"From there we moved to the incident-command system so they could learn about the position of a sector officer right up to incident command and what their jobs are.

"We also talked about fire investigations because even a firefighter has a role to play in helping with a fire investigation."

Once the theory was completed, including modules on communication, tactics, hazardous material and turnout gear, the participants headed to the field for live training.

Moeckl said the volunteers learned about strategies (the plan they attack a fire with) and tactics (how they implement the plan).

"We had instruction on fire extinguisher-handling, pump-and-hose operation, building fires and vehicle fires.

"One of the highlights of vehicle training is to show the students the value of using foam as compared to attacking the fire with water.

"They really saw the difference between the two, with foam cutting the time required to battle a fire in half.

"Foam also makes things a lot safer for the firefighters."

Moeckl said the Nunavut group performed well.

He said they were all punctual, eager and attentive.

"They knew they were in Rankin to learn and take that knowledge back to their home departments and that's exactly what they did. I've been fortunate to have worked with a lot of aboriginal groups over the years and I would say this group was in the top 10.

"Volunteer firefighters play an incredibly vital role in this country.

"In fact, more than 80 per cent of our nation's fire departments are volunteer in nature."