Firefighters 'sweep' up at exercise

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During a recent Misawa readiness exercise, firefighters there didn't have to go too far to stay busy. There was always something to do, even if it was just outside their door at Fire Station 2.

A standard evolution of an exercise is a post attack reconnaissance, or PAR, sweep. When a PAR sweep is underway, firefighters walk around their building, making sure everything is safe. Should they come across a modified cone, it means they are under chemical attack. On top of the cone will be a paper slip. This "M-8 Paper" indicates if there's contamination, and if so, at what level.

Staff Sgt. Kevin Wasiewski said a PAR sweep is an important part of any exercise that has to be done.

"The PAR sweeps are a little strenuous because you're wearing all the (protective) gear," Sergeant Wasiewski said. "But they're important because they let us get out and inspect the facility and the surrounding area to make sure that after an attack we don't have any contamination or (unidentified explosive ordnance) or suspicious activity going on outside that we wouldn't be able to see from inside."

The gear Sergeant Wasiewski refered to is a collection of firefighting outergarments that can add up to 45 additional pounds. For the sweep, the firefighters wear what is called a "J-Fire suit," which protects against chemicals. Exercises get firefighters used to donning gear, so in a real life situation, getting ready will be easy.

"It gets you familiar with your equipment, because we're in and out of it all night," Sergeant Wasiewski said. "And it gets you used to putting it on and you learn the limitations and the capabilities of all your gear."

Sergeant Wasiewski's night was far from over. After the PAR sweep, an exercise alarm sounded. He and his crew headed out again. For this new scenario, somewhere on base, there's a fire. Whether it's a PAR sweep outside their building, or an emergency farther way, Misawa's firefighters stay ready for any situation.