Fire department holds training
Air Life San Antonio Crew Number 4 out of Pleasanton touches down at the Castle Lake Fire Department Fire House during a training session. BULLETIN PHOTO/Tracy Thayer
The Castle Lake Ranch Fire Department trained with the Air Life San Antonio team of Aaron Beal, Aaron Bostel and Cynthia Garcia on Saturday, June 5, at the Fire House in Castle Lake.
The Air Life team out of Kerrville provided training to the department in traffic safety and how to set up a landing zone for an medevac helicopter.
Setting up a traffic break at a vehicle wreck is one of the most hazardous situations that firefighters face. Stopping traffic along a busy highway can be extremely dangerous.
Fire Chief Paul Mill er remarked, “This is great training. We don’t often get call outs to structure fires, we mostly assist with wildland fires and traffic stops.”
The department makes a point to train frequently in these important skills, offering training once a month for its members.
The Air Life Team also trained the department in how to set up a landing zone for a medevac helicopter, using the landing pad at the firehouse for practice.
Beal demonstrated how to clear the 100-foot square of debris and how to relay instructions to the incoming helicopter on wind, weather, and ground obstructions.
To help with the demonstration the Air Life Team #4 from Pleasanton flew in and landed at the firehouse landing zone. After landing, the firefighters got a tour of the helicopter’s resources by the Air Life Team.
“This is very important training and very needed,” said Assistant Chief Steve Talbert.
The Castle Lake Ranch Fire Department protects nearly 450 families in their service area, covering parts of Kendall, Kerr and Bandera counties.
Castle Lake Ranch is frequently called out to assist other departments because they have a high-volume pumper truck that can carry 2,100 gallons of water. T
For more information about how to support or join the department, call 830-535-6611.