MCIPAC hosts firefighting demonstration for Fukuoka Prefecture Fire Academy cadets

Photo By Lance Cpl. Kelcey Seymour | Marine Corps Installations Pacific Fire and Emergency Services firefighters lower a litter from a six-story building during a demonstration Sept. 13, 2018, at the Camp Hansen fire department training grounds, Okinawa, Japan. Approximately 115 cadets from the Fukuoka Prefecture Fire Academy witnessed a demonstration that consisted of combating a vehicle fire, vehicle extraction, ladder truck operations, and a high angle rescue. The cadets saw firsthand the different firefighting methods and how strong teamwork helps mission accomplishment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kelcey Seymour)  

OKINAWA, JAPAN

09.14.2018

Story by Lance Cpl. Kelcey Seymour 

Marine Corps Installations Pacific

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan – Marine Corps Installations Pacific Fire and Emergency Services hosted a demonstration for Fukuoka Prefecture Fire Academy cadets Sept. 13 at the fire department training grounds on Camp Hansen.

Approximately 115 cadets witnessed the demonstration which consisted of combating a vehicle fire, vehicle extraction, ladder truck bucket operations, and a high-angle rescue.

“Relations in the fire services are important in all aspects, but as international community we want to reach out to share our experience and skill sets with our host country,” said Douglas Fairbanks, assistant fire chief with MCIPAC Fire and Emergency Services.

The demonstration allowed the cadets to see firsthand the different firefighting methods and how strong teamwork helps mission accomplishment.

“Although we haven’t trained on extinguishing a fire yet, it was powerful and you could feel the heat so close,” said Fuki Oka, a cadet at Fukuoka Prefecture Fire Academy. “I saw that extinguishing a fire was a serious
matter.”

According to Fairbanks, events of this nature are only conducted every three to four years for mainland prefectures, but they work with the Okinawa prefecture fire departments often.

“These cadets are young, just starting in the fire service,” said Fairbanks. “We want to motivate them and display how rewarding a career in the fire service is. We wanted them to see the skills and abilities of experienced training.”

• Date Taken: 09.14.2018
• Date Posted: 09.18.2018 20:31
• Story ID: 292755
• Location: OKINAWA, JP