WESTON, W.Va. — A camp to teach teenagers the importance of fire safety is underway in Lewis County.
The West Virginia University Junior Fire Camp is taking place this week in Lewis County. The event runs through Thursday at the Fire Academy at Jackson’s Mill.
Campers, ages 14-17, come from West Virginia and seven other states.
The event teaches campers how to be a firefighter.
“We’re trying to get kids involved in the fire service to get them a taste of it, so they can help their communities,” said Mark Lambert, director of the WVU Fire Service Extension.
Lambert said the need for volunteer firefighters is crucial.
“We’re losing people because of age. We don’t have the same number of people to come in and replace them. I know this is a nationwide problem, not just a West Virginia problem,” he said.
At the camp, kids will learn how to climb ladder tower trucks, how to do CPR, how to put out a fire, how to rescue someone and more.
Lambert said being a firefighter is a dangerous, yet rewarding job.
“It takes dedication, discipline and you have to be able to take orders and be a team player,” he said.
Camp officials will hold a graduation ceremony at the site Thursday, located at 2600 Old Mill Road in Weston.