Spring has brought warmer weather and many people are starting the process of spring-cleaning, which for some who live in the rural parts of Sanders County, includes the burning of their brush piles, old leaves, and other things. If the timing of that burning is not correct, a fire can easily and quickly get out of hand. That is why the Plains-Paradise Rural Fire conducts regular trainings to sharpen their skills and make sure the equipment is working properly.

Friday Mar. 31 at 3:15 p.m., the Plains-Paradise Rural Fire was on a hillside behind the home of Bernard and Lisa Griffin. Rescue One and one fire engine were there to start a controlled burn and extinguish it. Ian Smith, who is a junior firefighter was lighting much of the dead grass and weeds on fire where Marlin Cooper directed him. Smith has been with the department for one year, as he joined when he was 16 years old.

Brian Reed, and Patrick Bischof were all on the hill with Smith to watch the burn, take photos and video for the department, ignite more of the area on fire, and pour water on those areas where the fire was still burning strong. The fire hose used was connected to Rescue One, which was about 100 yards away from where the controlled burn was taking place and putting out a steady pulse of water. The heat from the fire could be felt thirty yards away. It was obvious that the training was very structured, organized and went off with out any major problems. Fortunately the wind that afternoon was mild and not gusting, which made it a perfect day to conduct this training.

Reporter Douglas Wilks can be reached at dwilks@vp-mi.com or 406-826-3402.