In a groundbreaking effort to enhance firefighting capabilities and safety in the region, the Lewis County Fire Training Consortium has teamed up with the Washington State Fire Marshal Division to bring the Regional Direct Delivery Fire Training Program to firefighters across Lewis County, according to a news release from the Chehalis Fire Department.
The collaboration aims to provide high-quality, hands-on training designed to equip firefighters with the skills they need to respond to emergencies more effectively, the Lewis County Fire Training Consortium, the release stated.
The training consortium collaborates with state agencies and local fire departments, including the Chehalis Fire Department, the Riverside Fire Authority, Lewis County Fire District 2 (Toledo), Lewis County Fire District 5 (Napavine), Lewis County Fire District 6 (Chehalis/Adna) and Lewis County Fire District 15 (Winlock), to enhance public safety and ensure that firefighters have the skills and knowledge needed to protect their communities effectively.
The Washington state Fire Marshal Division is a branch of the Washington State Patrol responsible for protecting life, property and the environment through education, engineering and enforcement. The division offers a range of fire safety and prevention services, including fire training programs designed to support local fire departments throughout the state.
The Regional Direct Delivery Program, a cornerstone initiative of the Washington State Fire Marshal Division, focuses on delivering state-of-the-art fire training directly to local fire departments.
“By eliminating the need for costly travel and off-site instruction, this program ensures that fire departments in Lewis County have access to advanced training resources without leaving their jurisdictions,” the training consortium said in the news release.
Through this partnership, the Lewis County Fire Training Consortium will serve as a hub for comprehensive fire education and safety practices, emphasizing critical areas such as firefighting tactics, rescue operations, hazardous material handling and wildfire response. This program will also support training on firefighter safety standards, ensuring adherence to state regulations.
“Bringing this program to Lewis County will elevate the skills of our firefighters and ensure they are prepared for the unique challenges they face in our region,” said Chehalis Fire Chief Adam Fulbright, spokesperson for the Lewis County Fire Training Consortium. “The collaboration with the Washington State Fire Marshal Division allows us to provide critical training directly to those who need it most, strengthening our emergency response capabilities.”
The training program will be offered to all fire departments within Lewis County, with sessions tailored to the specific needs and challenges faced by local firefighters. Instructors from the consortium agencies will lead the training, providing expert guidance and real-world experience to enhance the effectiveness of the region’s fire service professionals.
“This initiative represents the latest step in a long-standing commitment by the Lewis County Fire Training Consortium and the Washington State Fire Marshal Division to improve public safety and emergency preparedness in Washington state,” according to a news release.
For more information about the Regional Direct Delivery Fire Training Program or to inquire about upcoming training sessions, contact Fulbright at afulbright@ci.chehalis.wa.us.
