Volunteer Firefighters Take Part in Training Exercises

Volunteer firefighters throughout Cherokee County came together for a large training exercise that was held last week near the old Ball Ground Elementary School.

About 40 volunteers from stations, along with Cherokee County B Shift firefighters from Fire Station No. 2 — under the command of Battalion Chief Johnny Wilkins — took part in the training exercise, Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Service said in its press release.

The training exercise lasted about four hours.

“We simulated an involved structure fire with six engine companies responding,” said Lake Arrowhead Volunteer Fire Chief, Rebecca Strobl. “Our engine companies were divided into the tasks of interior search and rescue, suppression, ventilation and RIT (Rapid Intervention Team). We also had our non-firefighter volunteers assist with the rehab unit.

Volunteer firefighters from Lake Arrowhead Volunteer Fire Department, Ball Ground Volunteer Fire Department, Mica Volunteer Fire Department, Yellow Creek Volunteer Fire Department, Holly Springs Volunteer Fire Department, Hickory Flat Volunteer Fire Department and Holbrook Campground (Station 4) Volunteer Fire Department were all represented at the training event.

Anyone who is interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter can visit the county fire department’s website. Once there, click on the volunteer firefighting link.

Photo credits: Tim Cavender/Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services