"C-COM, Engine 488, Leaving Quarters..."

Today was a multiple-department "Burn-to-Learn" where five different Fire Departments, including ours, burned a double-wide manufactured home to the ground as a training exercise. I was assigned to Engine 488, our department's second-out engine, but we were first on scene and we were the first fire attack team for the first evolution. We hit the fire fast and hard, even though I never really saw the fire clearly on that evolution because the smoke was so thick. We all did seven evolutions in all, attacking fires in every room and covering every position and role. At the end of the day, my turnouts were smoky, muddy, and dirty and I was soaked from head to toe - but that was my first experience in a 'real' fire environment, and for the most common type of structure fire in our area. I managed to get multiple sign-offs on my taskbook, getting me closer to my Firefighter 1 certification.

Also, I have been training hard almost every day, and regulating my food intake much better. Much less red meat, much less dairy, much less bread, more vegetables. I've also been keeping up with my daily meditation practice, and reading some. Even my credit report looks good!

It's nice to be able to have the time to train and use my body for healthy pursuits and extreme sports. *smile*