Yukon Firefighters Have Refresher Course In Water Rescues

Recent storms have dropped record rainfall in the metro, leaving rivers overflowing and ponds topping out. With even more rain expected between now and Saturday, first responders are on high alert for dangerous flooding.

Areas across the metro have been prone to flooding recently. The section of the North Canadian River in Yukon is a known trouble spot. So, Authorities are trying to get ahead of the storm and remind everyone not to drive through high water. If that warning isn't enough, first responders will be ready thanks to extra training.

Yukon firefighters are gearing up for high water rescues.

“It's like the old saying, play like you practice. So, we try hard to take our training seriously and try hard to get proficient at it and get everyone on the same page,” said Battalion Chief Kent Long.

Chief Long said the number of flood-related calls around the metro in recent days inspired the refresher course for his crew. And Yukon firefighters recognize there is an imminent danger in flood prone areas in the next round of storms.

“We have the North Canadian River just north of town at Highway 4 and that seems to swell out of its banks quite often, and when it does there is a large area out there that I under water and we have had several stranded motorist out there,” said Chief Long.

In most instances, firefighters will use throw bags during a high water rescue.

“We have to practice on putting it in front of them so they can get that rope for safety,” said Chief Long.

The idea is to get the victim out of the water with minimal risk to the rescuers.

“Any type of high water rescue brings all kinds of obstacles and dangers some of those you see, some of those you can't. We try hard to keep everything as safe as possible in water rescue.”