[October 09, 2013]      

Pictures by Nila Smith

Before going into a burning building, he will add an air tank and mask.

Van Winkle talks about how heavy the equipment is.

 

With the mask on, the last item is the gloves.

Suits have reflective tape to make firefighters more visible in the dark.

 

The tools on his shoulder are things he might use to break into a burning home or knock a hole into a wall.

"Stay below the smoke" is an important rule for those trying to make their way through a fire. Even the firefighters sometimes get down and crawl through a building.

Upstairs, Van Winkle shows the kids a fire suit from the past.