Well I went to my first structure fire tonight. We were mutual aid for the city... actually the entire county was mutual aid on this one. I went POV and had to park in the mall parking lot next to the complex, there was an 8 ft chain link fence between me and the apts. So what do you think a rookie at his first structure fire did? You got it; I scaled that thing like a cat and had my turnout gear thrown to me by a PD officer controlling the crowd. As soon as I came around the corner I could feel the heat from 200ft away.

I dropped my gear bag and suited up. I checked in with the chief IC and he told me what I expected "stay out the way" which was fine with me. The last thing I wanted to do was put a life at risk because I dont know what I am doing. So I wondered around for the next two hours helping with crowd control and telling idiots that " no we wont move the fire truck so you can go to the movie" (I really can believe he asked me that). Then I was released as the city was putting out the last few hot spots. There were so many fire, ems, and police there I never saw anyone from my own dept. I know they were there I got water out of our squad.

So here I am a green as hell rookie and I got to see a whole apt building (16 units) go up in the biggest fire I have ever seen... you know I liked it... I am thankful that the EMS crews did nothing but stand around... thank God they were not needed. I was very impressed by the way 6 different departments worked so well together (after all I have heard about the rivalries). I am glad I was able to be there and do my small part to help.