Published Sunday, February 25, 2024, 1645 hours PST

RIDGEFIELD (CLARK COUNTY), WASHINGTON (USA) — Last week, members of the Southwest Region 4 Technical Rescue Team took on specialized training focusing on confined space equipment, operations, and hypothetical scenarios where their skills would be called into action.

Photo(s) Credit: Clark County, WA Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 3674

Collectively, it is very beneficial for all members to train together so that everyone is on the same page and works as one team to operate safely and effectively, reaching all of their objectives needed during this type of dangerous call.

They are highly skilled and receive ongoing advanced training in conjunction with special equipment to safely and efficiently conduct technical rescue operations.

Region 4 Techincal Rescue includes members from Fire District 6, Clark-Cowlitz Fire & Rescue, and the Vancouver Fire Department. They respond to areas within Clark, Skamania, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties. According to the Fire District, they may also respond to the Urban Area Security Initiative area including Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas Counties in Oregon.

Some of the calls they may respond to include confined spaces, trench collapse, water emergencies, structural collapse, and rescuing people trapped above or below grade or in other challenging situations.

Not only do these men and women in the fire service train together but they must have the education before putting their skills into practice and in real-life action. They are required and bound to follow the Washington State Administration Codes (WAC 296-305-05113), which outline “Technical rescue operational specialties” and adhere to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 2500 formerly the NFPA 1670 (now combined into the 2500). Source: WA State Leg. https://apps.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=296-305-05113

If you ever find yourself, know of someone, or have/had a family member trapped, you will want these guys and gals to come find and rescue you. There are several regions that have these types of rescue teams throughout the State of Washington.

(c) 2024 NW Fire Blog / Skagit Valley Girl Media