(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department performed their weekly training program Wednesday evening in a smoke-filled semi trailer, simulated to represent a home, or other burning structure. Fire fighters were divided in
pairs as they entered the semi trailer. The fire fighters were in full gear wearing their protective clothing, helmet, gloves, and equipped with a self- contained breathing apparatus which all total weighs about 40 pounds. Once inside the semi trailer, the fire fighters were required to crawl in a small confined space and make their way through the obstacle course. Fire fighters
were asked to climb a ladder, then make their way through a tunnel which was only three feet square, slide down a ramp, and continue to crawl on their hands and knees through additional obstacles. While they were performing the training, the semi trailer was filled with smoke that prevented the fire fighters from seeing their hand in front of their face.
