the morning I completed my fire fighting training for certification to crew vessels at sea as an expedition staff member. The specialized facility is located near this scenic port town.
The Astoria–Megler Bridge spanning the Columbia River.
Pre-drill briefing before fighting a simulated engine room fire.
The flames are real, and the smoke is a dense but non-toxic mineral oil vapor, harmless if inhaled.
The fire fighting training drills consisted of working with full gear and respirators, navigating out of a smoke-filled three-story building, dowsing liquid fires with dry chemical and CO2 extinguishers, as well as working with fire hoses in teams attacking three simulated fires. It was interesting and fun but very exhausting.