Black Hills Fire District Training helps newer firefighters sharpen skills

BOX ELDER, S.D. — Volunteer fire fighters also braved the elements Saturday at the annual Black Hills District Fire School.

This year’s training was held at the Central States Fairgrounds.

Newer firefighters of the Black Hills Fire District, which is one of the largest in the state, learned from seasoned firefighters but in a new way.

The training included classes and obstacles courses all to provide a new way of teaching the material.

Another portion of the training was getting the firefighters familiar with their equipment.

“You want them to know their gear, they’re they’re a bunker gear, and every their tools and stuff they’re using, so when they get on a fire scene, they don’t have to think about how to use it,” said Black Hills District Fire School Treasurer Duane Hofer.

A total of 11 VFDs and 18 firefighters participated in the fire school.