Butte County Fire Explorers Post 414 has developed a vast amount of experience this past year. Through extensive training, the Fire Explorers get first-hand knowledge of what the fire service is all about. They also get involved in many of our special fire prevention programs, including Christmas Preview, Toys 4 Tots, Career Days, Cast for Kids, Red Suspenders Day, and Palermo Day. Additionally, The Burn and Benevolent and Company 33’s fundraising Crab Feed is an important event in which the Explorers play a major part. Attending these events allows the Explorers to do their part for our community, and it also brings in donations, which gives them the chance to attend the Fire Academy and helps pay for gear and uniforms.
Currently, there are 14 active Butte County Fire Explorers, and no more than 20 are allowed at a time. You must be between the ages of 14 and 21 to be part of the post. Meetings are held the second and fourth Saturdays each month from 1715 to 2030 hours (5:15 to 8:30 pm) at Stations 22 or 42. The different meeting locations gives the Explorers more experience with different types of training. Explorers go through specialized training including structure fire ventilation techniques, emergency medical procedures, and much more. The Explorers also earn the right to do ride-a-longs after completing their required training, allowing them to experience day-to-day fire station activities.
Each year, a limited number of Explorers are chosen to attend the Fire Academy through the California Fire Exploring Association. Different departments throughout the state host the academy. This past year, two fire Explorers were given the opportunity to attend the academy in Downey, near the heart of Los Angeles. This week-long academy consists of 14 to 19 hour days with live structure fire, wildland, rescue systems, ventilation, auto extrication, and basic firefighting skills and training. About a hundred fire personnel from California and Nevada sign up to volunteer their time as teachers. The Butte County Fire Explorers is a great opportunity for young individuals to get their foot in the door with hands-on Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) training.
