Posted by IGDVS Staff

As part of the natural disasters unit in science, Mrs. Lam invited the Ukiah Fire Department to visit the K-6 students and discuss their questions. Students came up with some great questions, such as:

What happens when there is a fire during an earthquake?
What if someone is too afraid to evacuate a building during a fire?
What is fire made of?
How does one train to become a firefighter?
How do firefighters save animals that are trapped in a building?
How does hail form?
Do the fire trucks have special transmitters to change traffic lights?

The firefighters shared insights into a typical day in their role, detailing their duties, the tools they use, and how they serve the Ukiah community. They also discussed the importance of understanding what fuels fires and the need for a safety plan at home. Interestingly, we learned that 90% of their work involves providing medical assistance to the community, while only 10% focuses on fire relief. Both firefighters have medical backgrounds and emphasized the importance of understanding math and science in their roles. This knowledge is crucial for effectively responding to emergencies and providing medical assistance.

Special thanks to the Ukiah Fire Department for all their services to the Ukiah community and Mrs. Kelly Lam for organizing this wonderful learning event for our students. We appreciate our firefighters!