FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Safety is a concern Soldiers should have on their minds at all times. From overloaded electrical strips to proper use of fire extinguishers, the Forward Operating Base Kalsu Fire Department is working hard to prevent fires and educate Soldiers with proper fire safety training.
“We hold a fire safety awareness class every Wednesday at 9 a.m. at the FOB Kalsu Fire Department,” said Richard M. Praeger, FOB Kalsu Fire Department chief, Wacken Hutt Limited Liability Corporation.
Training includes how to report emergencies, general fire safety, housekeeping techniques, smoke detectors, fire extinguisher use and other electrical safety hazards.
“We want Soldiers to be safe,” said Praeger. “So we teach them what to look out for and what to be cautious of.”
Possible fire hazards include exposed wires, overloaded power strips, blankets and rugs being used as room dividers, wires and cords running across walkways and objects hanging over electrical outlets.
“Overloaded power strips and daisy-chained power strips are common fire hazards, especially in offices. The amount of outlets on the power strips doesn’t matter, the most the strip can hold is three small appliances,” said Praeger. “Larger appliances such as refrigerators and microwaves should be plugged directly into a wall outlet.” The training also includes teaching students how to use fire extinguishers with a live fire demonstration. Each Soldier uses techniques learned in class to put out a fire.
“The class taught us how to use the fire extinguisher, to roll the fire down towards the ground and successfully put the fire out,” said Pvt. Ian M. Ellsworth, mechanic, 10th Group Special Forces.
“Teaching a Soldier how to use a fire extinguisher is like teaching a Soldier how to shoot their weapon,” said Praeger. “A Soldier is taught how to properly aim and shoot. Without that knowledge, the weapon is useless. Using a fire extinguisher is the same concept.”
Any soldier can attend the class without signing up in advance. The class is approximately an hour and a half long, depending on the attendance. Soldiers will also receive a certificate upon completion of the class.
“The most important aspect of the training is safety and teaching Soldiers to prevent fire hazards,” said Praeger. “The Soldiers have more life-threatening issues outside of the FOB. They shouldn’t have to worry about a potential danger in the place where they lay their heads at night.”
