Special to the Daily News

PINEVILLE — Temperatures soared over 95 degrees last weekend as the Bell County Volunteer Fire Department hosted the annual Bell County Regional Fire School at the department headquarters on U.S. Hwy. 119 in Pineville.

Over 200 firefighters came from all the Commonwealth to participate in training. Many classes were held, including: Air Evac Landing Zone, Communications, Automobile Extrication, Fire Flashover, Basic Firefighting, Live Burn, and others. Some of the classes required firefighters to be dressed in full gear. This prepares them to be ready for similar situations that may occur during a real emergency.

Firefighters put their lives on the line everyday; however recent state budget cuts prevent many firefighters throughout the state to obtain the annual training that they need. Sondra Goodin, Public Relations Officer with the Bell County Vol. Fire Dept., said that the annual Bell County Regional Fire School is usually held in April but due to budget cuts, the training was delayed this year. However; thanks to many local businesses, private donations, and state instructors volunteering their time, the annual Bell County Regional Fire School took place last weekend. This Fire School provided training for many firefighters that would otherwise not receive the training they need to keep up their annual certification.

To become a Kentucky certified firefighter, a person must obtain 150 hours of training. Fire schools such as this one provide the training required. Additionally, 20 hours must be taken annually to retain certification. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter can contact the Bell County Volunteer Fire Department at 606-337-8080 for more information or simply attend one of the weekly training sessions held each Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. at the department headquarters on U.S. Hwy. 119 in Pineville.

Story and photos provided by Bill Jenkins of the Bell County Volunteer Fire Department.