Fire Training

A progressive fire prevention program designed to increase public awareness is gradually decreasing the number of structure fires. Although good for the community, this can lead to a lack of fire ground experience for our firefighters and officers. 

Modern Day Homes

Modern day homes are being constructed with more cost effective materials which typically lead to earlier structural collapse when impinged upon by fire. Also, homes being built today are more energy efficient which allows for high smoke and heat conditions to build up inside. 

Plastic Use

The use of plastics in many homes has greatly increased which causes faster burning at temperatures 2 to 3 times hotter than wood. The combination of these conditions can lead to disaster if not properly trained and prepared.

Training & Certification

The City of Red Wing requires its firefighters to be Minnesota State Certified at a Firefighter 2 Level. 

There is ongoing training to meet state recertification and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements.

Fire & Rescue Training

Each career firefighter receives a minimum of 120 hours of fire and rescue training annually. Paid on call firefighters receive 72 hours per year. Fire training is coordinated and conducted by the Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Captains.

These Fire Instructors are state certified and follow National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines. Off-site instructors are brought in for advanced and/or specialized training. 

Training sessions conducted include, but are not limited to:

  • Company Officer Strategies and Tactics
  • Confined Space Operations
  • Emergency Driving and Pump Operations
  • Engine (Pumper) Operations
  • Extrication
  • Fire Behavior/Building Construction
  • Fire Boat Operations
  • Forcible Entry/Exit
  • Hazardous Material Response
  • Hose/Fire Streams
  • Ice/Water Rescue
  • Incident Command System/Accountability
  • Ladders
  • Live Fire Evolutions
  • Marine firefighting and rescue
  • OSHA required courses
  • Rapid Intervention Team (RIT)
  • Rope Rescue
  • SCBA/Search and Rescue
  • Structural Firefighting
  • Truck (Aerial) Operations
  • Vehicle Firefighting
  • Ventilation
  • Wildland Firefighting
  • Emergency Egress and Personal Escape