Wilmington Fire Department hosting Junior Fire Academy next week

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Wilmington Fire Department is hosting their annual Junior Fire Academy next week.

The first of two sessions will take place from June 10th through June 14th.

During the camp-like experience, high school students will have the opportunity to learn life-saving skills like CPR, first aid, and how to use a fire extinguisher, as well as experience firsthand what it’s like to be a firefighter by trying on gear, searching for a victim, and taking on a scaled-down version of the firefighter physical agility test (JPAT).

This is a great program for the youth in our community,” said Fire Chief Steve Mason. “It not only teaches them life-long skills but introduces and fosters the idea of a career in the fire service.”

The department hopes the program will spark an interest in these young men and women to pursue a career in the fire services that may one day translate into a fire recruit for the Wilmington Fire Department.