Firefighter I 

Training for Firefighter I level is done as a Probationary Firefighter. In addition, regular, mandatory, training sessions are conducted each Tuesday evening.

A fully qualified Firefighter I has all the requisite knowledge and skills  in these areas:

   Understanding Fire:

• Fire and principles of combustion
• Different classifications of fire
• How fire behaves in different situations
• Methods of extinguishing fires

    Safety procedures:

• Safe transport on fire department vehicles
• Fire site teamwork and safety
• Life safety assurance for firefighters and the public
• Safe entry and exit of fire site structures

• Proper control practices for structure, vehicle, ground fires
• Connection and operation of hoses, hydrants and other sources of water
• Safely turn off building utilities
• Safely and effectively operate hoses lines, other water application sources, nozzles, operate engine pump controls
• Property conservation measures
• Ventilation of smoke filled structures
• Secure a fire scene to minimize structure damage, locate any hidden fires, preserve fire cause evidence and insure fire is extinguished
• Proper operation of all hand and power tools, ladders, ropes and lines
• Requisite skills in, knots, hoisting
• Use tools to force entry through doors, windows and walls
• Operate department power supply and lighting equipment
• Assess threat of fire spread potential, protect exposures and maintain fire lines

    Equipment maintenance:

• Clean and maintain in a constant state of readiness, all vehicles, equipment and systems and personal protective equipment
• Clean, maintain, repair and replace hose sections, couplings, gaskets, etc.

When all training is completed, a Firefighter I candidate will be tested by Hopkins Hill Fire Department Officers. After successfully passing this test, a candidate must pass a test given by the RI State Fire Marshall’s Office to receive Firefighter I certification.