Boise Firefighters Local 149, in partnership with the Boise Fire Department, will host FIRE OPS 101 at the Boise Fire Training Center on Friday, May 9. This immersive event offers elected and appointed officials, as well as members of the media, a rare, hands-on opportunity to step into the boots of a firefighter and experience the physical and mental challenges first responders face every day.
FIRE OPS 101, designed to increase understanding of the complex nature of emergency response work, will welcome community leaders from across the western United States, including Alaska, Washington, Montana and Idaho. Participants will suit up in full protective gear, and take part in realistic emergency scenarios including live fire suppression, vehicle extrication, and emergency medical response.
“This event isn’t just about showing people the excitement, physical demands, and challenges of a day in the life of a firefighter,” said Local 149 Executive Board Member Josh Zimmerly. “It’s about showing the critical need for safe staffing levels, up-to-date equipment, and legislation that protects our firefighters and the public they serve.”
“We’re excited to host FIRE OPS 101, and welcome regional leaders to our state-of-the-art training facility here in Boise,” said Boise Fire Training Chief Jason Lewis. “This is a unique chance for our community and state representatives to experience the intensity and complexity of our work in a safe but realistic environment. It’s an eye-opening opportunity to see firsthand what our crews are prepared for every single day.”
Through this program, participants will also gain insight into the importance of investments in public safety infrastructure, including modern fire apparatus, advanced training, and the presumptive laws that ensure firefighters are protected when they are injured or fall ill due to the hazards of their job.
Also in attendance will be Qwake Technologies, a company at the forefront of firefighter safety innovation. Qwake will be showcasing and initiating a three-week field evaluation of its helmet-mounted augmented reality device designed to help firefighters see and navigate in zero-visibility environments. This technology has the potential to save lives, both firefighter and civilian, by reducing disorientation and speeding up decision-making in smoke-filled, high-risk settings.
“This is an exciting opportunity, not only for our personnel to test life-saving technology in real-world scenarios, but also for our elected officials to witness its potential impact of saving more lives,” said Lewis. “If we want to bring this type of innovation to the front lines, we need the understanding and support of our local and state leaders to help us make it a reality once it hits the market.”
MEDIA INVITE
Media members are invited to the Boise Fire Training Center to cover FIRE OPS 101. Boise City Council Member Jordan Morales will be participating in the event and will be available for interviews, along with Boise Fire Training Chief Jason Lewis and Local 149 Executive Board Member Josh Zimmerly. Media will also have opportunities to capture video of the hands-on training scenarios.
What: FIRE OPS 101 and b-roll opportunity of live fire, vehicle extrications, etc.
When: Friday, May 9, 2025, from 10 am – 12 pm
Where: Boise Fire Training Center, 12142 Joplin Rd. Garden City, Idaho, 83714
Who: Boise City Council Member Jordan Morales, Boise Fire Training Chief Jason Lewis, Local 149 representative Josh Zimmerly
Contact: Boise Fire PIO, Lynsey Amundson, lamundson@cityofboise.org