This week’s exercise is an attic fire in Peize. Although the volunteers do not know this yet when they leave the barracks. In the house of Joop and Hillie Stuurwold (the parents of practice leader Bart), a burning attic is simulated with ‘disco smoke’ and fake flames. “We want it to look as real as possible,” says Bart. “Fortunately, the practice smoke that we use does not linger for long. But it does deprive the firefighters of their sight. It is good to practice with it.”
According to Bart, training is the most important task of the fire brigade. “We practice more often than we have a turnout,” he says. “Fortunately. That practice means that we are ready when it comes down to it. To see something is to do something. That’s why this is very important.”
After the exercise it is time to discuss everything thoroughly over a cup of coffee. Firefighter-to-be Van Muijen has warmed up to it. “Yes, it was quite a sweat,” she laughs. “But I learned a lot again.”
“Today I went in as number five and helped feed the hose. You will receive all sorts of tips during the discussion. Especially that you should pay attention to the environment. Is there asbestos in the roof or is there a gas bottle, for example? That are details that you need to pay attention to.”
When everything is cleaned up, the ladder is back on the roof of the fire truck and the hoses are neatly rolled up, the volunteers leave for the barracks. “We’re all going to drink a beer together,” says Van Muijen. “That’s also important. It’s part of the team spirit.”