South San Francisco Youth Battle Flames at Junior Fire Academy

The South San Francisco Fire Department began training a new team last week, testing agility and strength under intense pressure.

Trainees extinguished flaming structures, rappelled down multi-storied buildings and crossed zip lines to demonstrate their bravery.

The cadets barely break 4 feet, though they climbed to towering heights.

“The Junior Fire Academy’s original intent was to promote the fire service in the community,” said Fire Captain Brian Metcho. “But when we’re gone, we’re going to need replacements.”

The South San Francisco Fire Department hosted the Junior Fire Academy last week to teach 11- to 14–year-olds about the nuts and bolts of fire service.

“It’s not like a normal day when you climb up a five-story building and have to go down on a zip line,” said 14-year-old Sara Yup.

This is Yup’s second year in the Junior Academy and she hopes to come back for the fun next year to continue her fire training and learn more about her possible career path.

“I might continue the family legacy,” she said.

Though Yup’s initial interest in the academy stemmed from her father and two uncles, all are firefighters, her interest thrived as she witnessed more of the fire department’s work.

In just the first day, the 15 cadets learned first aid and earned their CPR certification. They learned basic home safety strategies, such as using a fire extinguisher and developing an emergency exit plan as well as professional techniques, including high-pressure training with complex technology, Metcho said.

“They cut open a car using our Jaws of Life equipment,” he said.

Metcho is a founding director of the program that began in 2003.

Since then, several trainees have performed rope rescues and crossed rafters – all part of the skills necessary to graduate from the academy.

Josette Padilla, 12, graduated last week.

“My brother went to the academy,” she said. “I saw him do it and I told my mom she had to sign me up.”

The academy has inspired many to develop the determination necessary win acceptance into the Fire Academy as an adult.

“We teach them this is what it takes,” Metcho said.

“We encourage everyone to do as much as they can but we certainly don’t force them.”

Though the trainees were given the option to not participate, they appeared fearless.

“I wasn’t nervous,” said Lucia Lius, 13. “They kept us safe.”

Many of the cadets said the zip line was the most nerve-wracking experience, but also the most fun.

“I’m impressed every year,” said Fire Apparatus Engineer Bryan Golden. “Most adults are afraid of that stuff.”

The final test was a simulation of a rescue in a building, testing physical, mental and collaborative skills – “a very, very chaotic situation,” Metcho said.

“They have to work as a team. They compile everything that they learned from the week and use it in this simulation.”

As a reward and extra training for their accomplishments, the trainees learned how to apprehend a burst water hose and have water fights.

“I really liked tackling the water hose, until I got too wet,” said 12-year-old Damian Prado.

Many of the trainees expressed interest in returning next year to take on new challenges and make new friends.

“I wasn’t sure when I first started, I mean, I thought it might be fun to do. And it was actually a lot more fun than I thought it would be,” Prado said. “ This is the only camp I like.”