Junior firefighters may get to enter burning buildings after Suprevisors public hearing on July 26

Junior firefighters ages 16 and 17 could be able to go into burning buildings if a proposed change to the county ordinance is approved next month.

Jason Ferguson, Botetourt Fire-EMS Chief, told the Board of Supervisors at the June 28 meeting that after months of study, it has been determined that the county’s current code, which allows junior members to join and earn certification but not enter burning structures, is too strict.

The Fire and EMS Commission, Ferguson said, determined that youth should be permitted to enter burning buildings, allowing for full participation in the fire department. The young people would have to have minimum training certification before being allowed to participate fully. They would also be required to have parental permission.

Ferguson said most localities allow young volunteer firefighters to enter burning structures if they have earned their certification under the National Fire Protection Association.

The Supervisors plan to hold a public hearing on the proposed change at the July 26 meeting.

                                                — Anita Firebaugh, Special to The Botetourt Bee