The Red River Fire Department reports Firefighters have been busy these past few weeks with annual hose testing.  These tests will continue into June.

Hose testing is used to inspect and to ensure that all in service Fire hose in the Fire District can remain in service through a series of test on the hose itself.  Firefighters also take this time to make sure that the proper amount of fire hose is on each apparatus for PIAL requirements.

The Fire Department said, “We would like to give thanks to all Firefighters for their continued hard work they provide for our Fire District and the citizens of Red River Parish.”

Earlier in the month the April Monthly training was hosted by FETA instructed by Gray Young. Monthly training topic was Portable fire extinguishers.

Here are some tips for using a portable fire extinguisher.

Have I alerted others in the building that there’s a fire?

Has someone called the fire department?

Am I physically able to use a fire extinguisher?

Is the fire small and contained in a single object (like a pan or a wastebasket)?

Am I safe from the fire’s toxic smoke?

Do I have a clear escape route?

Use a fire extinguisher when all of these questions are answered “yes.” If you’re unsure about whether or not it’s safe to use a fire extinguisher, and for all other situations, alert others, leave the building, and call 911 from a mobile or neighbor’s phone.

When operating a fire extinguisher, tell remember the word PASS.

Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.

Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.

Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.

Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.

---