More than 100 firefighters from across the state of Oregon were in the metro area last week to participate in the Oregon Fire Instructor Association's (OFIA) conference.  This annual event involved multiple classroom and hands-on exercises spread out across facilities in Washington, Clackamas, and Multnomah Counties.

Firefighters learn how to utilize extremely small fiber-optic search cameras to locate victims.

Fire instructors from across the state of Oregon studied innovative techniques that they will bring back and teach to their fire agencies.  The goal of the conference is to ensure all Oregon firefighters have the opportunity to receive the latest training in fire and rescue techniques.

Firefighters develop skills necessary for operating a GPS with compass.

On Friday, April 22, 2011, Fire instructors practiced urban search and rescue training techniques at Portland Fire & Rescue's Training Center, located at 4800 Northeast 122nd Avenue, Portland. Activities included familiarization and use of search cameras and GPS-enabled location techniques.

More about the Oregon Fire Instructors Association

The Oregon Fire Instructors Association is an organization made up of fire instructors from throughout the state of Oregon. It is governed by twenty, elected representatives from local and regional training associations. Through the efforts made by its members, OFIA has contributed to the growth of the fire service in Oregon over the past four decades. Its emphasis has been to educate firefighters, and through knowledge and skill, make the job safer for front-line personnel.

   Portland Fire & Rescue 

   We Respond: Always Ready, Always There

   April 25, 2011 

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