Welcome to Fire Ops 101! 

FIRE OPS 101 provides elected and appointed officials and the media with a hands-on opportunity to better understand the complexities of what we do on a daily basis.

Conducting a FIRE OPS 101 exposes participants to the smoke, the adrenaline rush, and the physical stress and strain fire fighters and emergency medical personnel routinely address. In addition, participants will gain a better understanding of adequate and safe staffing and the need to have up-to-date protective equipment, modern apparatus and presumptive laws that protect our members.

What is FIRE OPS 101?

FIRE OPS 101 is an all-day event designed to demonstrate to elected officials and journalists the perils that fire fighters face every day. The event includes three to five 40-minute scenarios in which the attendees participate. Scenarios can range from engine or ladder operations to search and rescue to extrication to hazmat/WMD stations. The scenarios may be similar to the training experiences fire fighters go through when learning to become a fire fighter, however they will be adapted for elected officials and the media.​

Why is FIRE OPS 101 important?

FIRE OPS 101 gives decision-makers in your community the opportunity to live a day as a fire fighter. Nothing else gives your elected officials a taste of the fire service like experiencing FIRE OPS 101. Spending a hands-on day as a first responder is one of the most effective ways for your elected officials and your local media to learn about your job. The scenarios planned for a FIRE OPS are ultimately intended to help the elected officials and media understand the challenges fire fighters face in staffing, equipment and response time, as well as the physical and mental strength that fire fighters must possess.

Please use the sizing chart below when completing your form submission at the bottom of the page. If you have any questions please contact Vice President Theresa Alexander at (605)-228-1984 or at tlalexander@iaff1619.org