The annual Western Pacific Islands Association Fire Chief conference was shortened to just a day this year as a direct result of Super Typhoon Yutu. <\/p>\n
The Western Pacific Islands Association Fire Chief conference usually lasts longer but, because of the lack of accommodation, this year\u2019s conference at the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan was shortened and lasted only a day this year, said Clyde Norita, CNMI Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services commissioner.<\/p>\n
\u201cUsually this conference lasts two to three days\u2026but because of the time and lack of resources, like hotels and rooms\u2026we limited the conference to just one day and we are just addressing the most critical information\u2014technology in fire services,\u201d said Norita yesterday. <\/p>\n
This year\u2019s theme was Technology in Fire Services and how to use technology to leverage fire safety, health, and the welfare of firefighters across the Pacific. <\/p>\n
\u201cFighting fire is the same over 200 years\u2026but because of technology\u2026we are able to fight fire smarter,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
One of the most critical pieces of technology discussed during the conference on Wednesday was the technologically innovative oxygen tanks, self-contained breathing apparatus, or SCBA, and firefighter coats. <\/p>\n
\u201cFor example, our SCBA\u2026SCBAs are lighter now. The tank used to be metal and stainless steel but now it\u2019s a composite that makes it much lighter. Firefighter\u2019s coats and boots alone are heavy, plus the tank and their SCBA and working in stressful conditions\u2026you want to make sure that the technology is there to help make the suit lighter, make the tank lighter, make the SCBA lighter. \u2026These SCBAs are changing the way we fight fire and helps firefighters carry more equipment needed to fight fire,\u201d Norita said. <\/p>\n
According to him, it\u2019s important for every fire chief that their firefighters are equipped with the most advanced equipment \u201cand training because firefighters will go out and fight those fires\u2026and as management we are here to provide the needed equipment and training\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Present at Wednesday\u2019s conference were fire chiefs from Guam, Yap, Pohnpei, Palau, CNMI, and more. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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