The Chumash Fire Department recently hosted a group of first-graders to learn about fire preparedness at the tribe’s fire station on the Santa Ynez Reservation.
The fire crew taught 17 children from Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy about everything from firefighting tools to forest management.
The Chumash firefighters began with a lesson on simple fire safety techniques such as “stop, drop and roll” and what to do in a fire emergency.
They then talked about the various fire strategies and tools the department uses on fire assignments across the county, including how to use a pick and flathead axe; and the advancements in thermal imaging cameras, which allow firefighters to see if a fire is inside the walls of a burning structure and if people are trapped.
Firefighters demonstrated their daily drills, including donning personal protective equipment (PPE). The drill that involves putting on 40 pounds of firefighting equipment in less than two minutes, including boots, pants, coat, gloves, hood, helmet, self-contained breathing apparatus, and face piece.
But the highlight of the visit for the kids was getting inside a fire truck and having the chance to use a hose that sprays as much as 500 gallons of water per minute.
“Our students had a fun, unique visit, and left with a far better understanding of what to do in a fire emergency,” said Shelly Leeson, first -grade teacher for Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy.
“A big thanks to the Chumash Fire Department for taking the time to teach our students about fire safety and prioritizing fire education for our first graders,” she said.
The afternoon concluded at Kitiyepumu’ Park on the Santa Ynez Reservation with a visit from Smokey Bear, complete with hotdogs and snacks prepared by the fire crew.
“The Chumash Fire Department takes great pride in helping protect our tribal community and beyond,” said Assistant Fire Chief Gilbert Romero. “Part of this public service is educating the community, especially the younger generations, about what they can do to prevent fires and what to do in a life-threatening emergency.”
For more information about the Chumash Fire Department’s programs and initiatives, visit www.chumash.gov/fire.
Established in 2006, the Chumash Fire Department was created as a means for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians to have fire, emergency, medical and disaster services for Chumash Community Members living on the Santa Ynez Reservation.
Today, the department also serves as a resource for the greater community, combatting fires and protecting people and property throughout the region. Through an arrangement with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the Chumash Fire Department regularly fights fires in some of the most fire-prone states, including Arizona, New Mexico, as well as California.