The Fort Smith Fire Department recently hired 8 new firefighters who are undergoing intense training.
"It's always been in the back of my mind," probationary fireman Matt Helms said. "I pursued a baseball career for a while and then I was ready to settle down, so I'm just ready to get involved and get my roots planted." On Friday, new firefighters underwent rigorous training that at first glance appeared to be an easy obstacle course, but the firefighters did it blind, "Because most fires we go into you are unable to even see a hand in front of your face," said Captain Ethan Millard.
Capt. Millard said the training is meant to build confidence and to teach self rescue skills, "It's intended to show the firefighters that, regardless of what situation they're in, they can survive."