New Meadows, Idaho — On March 24, Fire Service Training (FST) Program Director Brad Terry found himself in the right place at the right time while driving back from the Clearwater Fire Academy in Orofino. As he passed through New Meadows, he noticed smoke rising from the valley and quickly turned around after seeing a Meadows volunteer fire truck heading in the opposite direction.

“As I got closer, I could tell this was a bigger fire, likely a structure fire,” said Terry.

By the time he arrived, the two-story brick building was fully engulfed, with the roof collapsing. Terry offered assistance, helping set up water supply lines for the local responders and learned that two of the firefighters battling the blaze had just completed their training at the Clearwater Fire Academy that weekend. One of the volunteer firefighters had taken the Fire Essentials course days earlier.

“He looked at me and said, ‘Hey, weren’t you at Clearwater?’” said Terry. “I said, ‘Yeah, you were too!’ It was amazing to see someone apply what they had just learned in such a real, immediate way.”

“It’s incredible to see how the training is paying off right away,” said Terry. “These volunteers are really committed to their communities, and this training gives them the skills to respond when they’re needed most.”

Brad Terry

Terry also met a Fish and Game officer volunteering with the Meadows Valley Fire Department who had taken the same course.

“It’s incredible to see how the training is paying off right away,” said Terry. “These volunteers are really committed to their communities, and this training gives them the skills to respond when they’re needed most.”

FST offers courses ranging from basic fire essentials to advanced certifications in areas like hazardous materials and rescue operations. After completing training, firefighters can take exams to become certified in specific firefighting skills. These certifications help ensure that both volunteer and professional firefighters are prepared for emergencies.

The Clearwater Fire Academy is one of several FST events held each year, drawing hundreds of participants to gain certifications or renew existing ones. This past weekend’s academy saw 230 attendees who received hands-on training in fire suppression, rescue operations, and hazardous materials management.

“Training isn’t mandatory in Idaho, but it’s strongly recommended,” said Terry. “Having certified firefighters on the frontlines means a more effective response and can even lower insurance ratings for the community.”

The true value of the training was evident during the New Meadows fire.

“In this job, you never know when you’ll be tested,” said Terry. “Seeing these firefighters apply their skills from Clearwater to this fire shows just how important this training is.”