The City of Manteca Fire Department is inviting community members to experience what it takes to douse out a simulated house fire.

They’ll also have a chance to ride high above in a 100-foot aerial platform or conduct a vehicle extraction using the Jaws of Life.

It’s all part of the inaugural Citizens Fire Academy scheduled Friday, June 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Fire Station at 290 S. Powers Ave., Manteca.

“We want people out there to know about the basic things firefighters do,” Fire Chief Kirk Waters said on Wednesday.

Included is the introduction to the fire service and mission statement, advancing a hose line, and using heart defibrillators.

The Citizens Fire Academy is the brainchild of Waters and Capt. David Marques.

“In the past, we’ve had mini fire academy for our young people,” Marques said.

This is the first of its kind locally for adults, and limited to the first 12 applying at the City of Manteca Fire Department headquarters, 1154 S. Union Road.

Those selected to the academy should wear comfortable clothes for the day’s activities.
In addition, the selected recruits will be provided with a working lunch.

For more information, call the City of Manteca Fire Department at 209-456-8300.