The Stuart Fire Department is getting ready to host an important class for firefighters.

Assistant Fire Chief Stephen Martinson says that they will be hosting a Firefighter 1 class, with member Chris Reha as the instructor. He mentions that the first meeting is set for next week on April 25th at 7pm, and is just an informational meeting.

Martinson explains that an official start date is yet to be determined, but they are expecting classes to be on Thursdays from 6-9pm and on Sundays depending on availability. He adds that all participants must be sponsored by a fire department, and that the class needs a minimum of 12 participants, but that there is no limit to the number that may attend after the minimum is met.

Martinson explains that the class goes over basic firefighting skills, donning and taking off bunker gear and Self Contained Breathing Apparatus, along with teaching knots, hose rolls, search and rescue and hazmat, among many others. He says that the class is important because all firefighters are required by the state to have taken the class, and it gives them hands-on experience and knowledge.