Events extreme for volunteer firefighters

Magalie Lapointe

Saturday, 14 October, 2017 21:05

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Saturday, 14 October, 2017 21:05

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SAINT-VALÉRIEN-DE-MILTON | volunteer firefighters have had to extinguish the lights of cars and the rescue of the victims for many minutes Saturday, in the framework of the first competition extreme of its kind in Canada.

Sixteen volunteer firefighters competed in a race against the clock to twenty minutes. Well served by a good physical stamina, the fire department had to remain very concentrated, with the competition comprised various events.

According to one of the organizers of the event, Mike Parenteau-Leblanc, regular events competition last about five minutes. However, on Saturday, the men had endured until their last ounce of energy for more than 25 minutes.

“It is truly complete as the competition. It was real, this is what we saw. It was very technical. Everything we have done today can we arrive at a fire that’s going bad, ” said the firefighter, Jean-François Monnier of the barracks of Granby, a few minutes after the race.

Eight barracks

The organisers have installed some structures in the course of the last week. Nothing has been overlooked : stoves, cars, wood structures, doors that could explode at any moment, victims trapped under the flames.

The idea of this competition comes from the “social club” fire of Saint-Valérien-de-Milton. Initially, the organisers thought of a small day to raise funds for their club. Over time, the idea had grown to finally attract eight barracks.

The firefighters came from Granby, Saint-Dominique, Saint-Simon, Roxton, Acton Vale, Granby, Durham South and Saint-Liboire.

In the form

Although the volunteer firefighters do not work full-time in their barracks, they confirm have to stay abreast of the latest technologies, follow different formations and keep in shape.

“In the services part-time, there is a lot more practical than in the full-time care. It is necessary to keep up to date as we do not receive calls as well as Montreal. There was no choice, ” said the firefighter, Jean-François Monnier, who also works in Montreal.