Fire Shows West is an annual firefighter training, expo and non-profit that also happens to be the largest and longest running fire service training and expo on the west coast.
The event was made to help firefighters attain more training on various subjects no matter if they're local or not.
The event has opportunities for firefighters to train on their tactics and techniques, helping them be the best at their jobs to keep the community in safe hands.
Jesse Horton, one of the owners and instructors for Horton’s and Hunt Training says, "To have it in our own backyard in Reno is an amazing opportunity to keep Reno safer and provide training for our local firefighters, but this is really a global fire service. This is an event where people can come in from all over the country—all over the world—to get excellent hands-on training."
They also have an expo hall where firefighters can check out new equipment.
As for the training, they say if you want to be a master of your craft you have to be a master of the basics.
Horton tells us, "When you see a turnout like this at Fire Shows West, you know that training is on the forefront of firefighters minds. It’s a relief for sure to see this many people show up that are interested in the craft and want to hone their skills."
He also says this event is a great way for firefighters to step outside their bubble and learn more skills to further their career.
Not to mention they also have small competitions and games that put them in real life situations to teach firefighters even more problem solving skills.
Cody Cavin, the co-owner and operator of BA Shields says, "The classroom portion of it is really important so we can set kind of the base foundation of the skills they’re going too be using. And once we get past that, we can bring them out here on this course and implement those skills and train them on it first. Rehearse that so they can get in the mode, and we’ll cut them loose on the course for time and see if they can use those skills and use them effectively."
Today was day one of the event and they will be holding it until September 25th.Â
They say they already have more registration numbers than last year and they hope the event keeps growing.
Plus, they mention the community loves to see the event here locally.
"The community has been a huge support and they like to see it. Whenever we talk to people about what we’re doing they’re really excited for that. They want to see that we’re not just sitting at the fire house not doing anything; we’re taking education, we’re learning more and trying to improve ourselves to make sure we can be more efficient at our job."
