'The commitment is worth it': Yukon volunteer firefighters practice battling flames

The remains of an old barn smoulder in the snow and firefighters take turns raking the coals. But don't worry no one's hurt.

This is not an emergency but atraining exercise for 25 volunteer firefighters.

Yukon firefighters from five departments Golden Horn, Marsh Lake, Mount Lorne, Ibex Valley and Hootalinqua took part in Saturday's firefighting training in Mount Lorne.

An individual offered an unwanted old barn on their property to the fire marshal's office for practice. After an inspection for hazardous materials, five fires were set in the barn for practising on various types of blazes.

"Because volunteer fire departments don't get a ton of experience and there's not that many fires that happen, to have a fairly controlled burn where we can actually train is quite helpful," said Claire Desmarais, who has been a Mount Lorne volunteer firefighter for 22 years.

Desmarais saidtraining exercisesare a good chance for the different departments to work together since they often have to call in other departments during an emergency.

"We get to know the people, we get to know how they work, they get to know us, we get to know if all our equipment works together," said Desmarais.

The exercise was also a chance to train in cold weather. It was about 24 CSaturday afternoon.

"This is our real conditions we're going to actually be fighting fires in. That's why we want to train in these kinds of conditions as well," said Chris Reynolds, a Golden Horn volunteer firefighter.

That includes making sure equipment like hoses work properly and how to clean up gear after the fire's out.

Desmarais and Reynolds said volunteer fire departments are always looking for new recruits.

"It's a lot of commitment, but the commitment is worth it," said Desmarais.

"It's a community service. It's a humble job to do. You're helping your neighbours," said Reynolds.

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