| 'Kickin'
ash and takin' flames' -- Paradise volunteer firefighters
are there By Tyler Larson
October 15, 2007 | PARADISE -- Many people try to do
something for their communities. Some make sure they
vote in the next city council election. Some make sure
to shop at local stores to help the town economy. But
others seem even more committed, those that fight fires.
"Our goal reaction time is seven to eight minutes
depending on the situation," said Peggy Nath, Paradise
firefighter, emergency medical technician and emergency
medical service coordinator.
Nath is regularly a housewife but also fights fires
for Station 90 in Paradise.
"It requires 120 hours of training at first, then
100 hours every four years to be an EMT and 100 hours
of basic training then 80 hours every four years to
be a firefighter," Nath said.
Fire Station 90 has about 15 people who volunteer
for the department. Eleven of them are EMT's as well,
Nath said. They respond to everything from brush fires
and car accidents to burning buildings, she said.
"I enjoy it, we all enjoy it," Nath said. "We wouldn't
be there if we didn't."
Station 90 has two medical vehicles, a fire engine
called Engine 90, and a portable water pump that can
pump water directly out of any stream, Nath said.
Station 90 doesn't just fight fires; they are also
involved in the community in Cache Valley. Nath said
they do disaster drills, CPR training, and fundraisers
three times a year.
Being a fire fighter isn't all fun though. As with
any job that reacts to emergencies, there is danger
and disaster.
"Just before Christmas in 2001 there was a brand new
house fully engulfed in flames," Nath said.
Despite the danger, Station 90 will always be there
in case of emergencies like their Web site states, "Kickin'
ash & Takin' Flames."
To learn more about Station 90 in Paradise, their
website is
www.paradiseut.com/online/fire.html. It has event
information, photo galleries, maps and information on
training to become a fire fighter.
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RB |
