VIDEO: Fire season is almost officially here. As firefighters all over the Bay Area prepare for what's expected to be another rough year, firefighters in the North Bay gave an inside look at what they will be going through in the months to come.
On Wednesday a "Fire Ops 101" event was held in Santa Rosa, which gave a firsthand look at being a firefighter. Community leaders took part, along with KPIX 5 reporter Andrea Nakano.
The first call of the day was to enter a burning building with the goal of knocking down the fire within the first five minutes. After that, the risk of injury or even death increases by four times when a flashover occurs. Participants were fitted with all of the protective gear and an oxygen tank.
Jack Thomas, president of the Professional Firefighters of Sonoma County, said, "I never knew how heavy the gear was. I think that is the number one thing that everybody says to us."
Santa Rosa City Manager Maraskeshia Smith took part in the event.