Written by Ariel Tsai
Members of Tzu Chi Youth Group (Tzu Shao) from Portland got an up-close look at the life-saving work of firefighters during a special visit to the Upper McKenzie Rural Fire Protection District in Blue River, Oregon, on May 23, 2026.
Firefighters warmly welcomed the students and volunteers, giving them hands-on experience with firefighting and rescue equipment while sharing important lessons about fire safety, first aid, and the daily responsibilities of protecting the community. Through interactive learning, students gained a deeper appreciation for the courage and dedication of firefighters.
Learning About Firefighting Equipment and Safety
During the visit, students cycled through four stations, each covering a different firefighting specialty: Wildland Firefighting, Structure Firefighting, Emergency Medical Services, and Drone Works. The Tzu Shao learned about the daily work of firefighters, were shown various firefighting and rescue equipment and given hands-on experience with some of it, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of the vital mission of firefighters in protecting public safety.
The firefighters explain their equipment and its use. Photo/Anthony Tsai
First, the Tzu Shao were introduced to the equipment and uses of the fire truck. This included water hoses, oxygen tanks, fireproof clothing, helmets, and first aid equipment. The Tzu Shao were encouraged to ask questions, leading to a lively interaction and discussion.
Experiencing a Firefighter’s Day
The firefighters explained the responsibilities and challenges of their work and daily life, including everything from routine training and receiving emergency calls, to responding to rescues and being on standby. They learned that firefighters do more than just extinguish fires; they also perform first aid and traffic accident rescues, as well as other emergency missions.
During their presentations, the firefighters stressed the importance of teamwork and calm judgment. It made Tzu Shao admire the firefighters’ selfless dedication and commitment to protecting public safety.
Hands-On Experience Enhances Learning
At one point, some of the Tzu Shao donned firefighting suits and helmets to feel their weight. They also tried operating fire hoses, experiencing for themselves firsthand the hardship and difficulty involved. The hands-on experience made the learning experience that much more enjoyable, while also cultivating a deep understanding of the arduous work firefighters do and the respect they are due.
A Tzu Shao member attempts to handle a fire hose. Photo/Anthony Tsai, Pei Chen
Allison Lin reflected on her experience trying on firefighting gear. “The experience was very profound, making me realize how tiring the work of firefighters is.” Cheryl Huang agreed, saying, “Although it was only a short experience, I already felt how heavy and stuffy the equipment was, and it’s hard to imagine how difficult it is for firefighters to work in such high temperatures and dangerous environments.”
A Tzu Shao member tries on some firefighting equipment. Photo/Pei Chen, Vicki Liu
Jenn shared that when preparing to go out for an emergency, all firefighting clothing and equipment including clothes, pants, and shoes had to be put on in under one minute, and then their oxygen tanks and masks had to be put on in another minute or less. This is the case for the standard uniform for routine firefighting, but that uniform is bulky and unsuitable for forests, for which there is a lighter, simpler uniform.
Expressing Our Gratitude
Firefighters work tirelessly day and night to safeguard our communities, and thus are deserving of our gratitude and respect. Reflecting on the everyday work and lifestyle of the firefighters on duty, Cheryl Huang said, “They have to maintain a high level of vigilance every day, which is truly exhausting.”
To express their gratitude, Tzu Shao volunteers prepared care packages filled with Jing Si tea, instant noodles, and heartfelt thank-you cards signed by the students.
Fire Safety Learning
In the wilderness fire safety learning portion, Jenn, Taylor, and Jason showed the Tzu Shao some of the tools they use in forest fires, like the Pulaski Axe, which is a combination of an axe and a hoe, allowing firefighters to cut through tree roots and bushes to dig firebreaks. They also showed the Tzu Shao their fire hose system, which is in a special red backpack, from which the hose unfolds as the firefighter runs, connecting to a water tank on the fire truck. The nozzles have two different modes for different purposes: one a strong, straight stream, and the other a mist.
The Tzu Shao learned that when the firefighters fight forest fires, they take with them a backpack full of 24 hours worth of necessities, including food, clothing, and rescue equipment. The backpack also holds four different colors of tape: blue, which is used to indicate water sources; orange, which indicates dangerous trees; yellow, which indicates a dangerous zone to be avoided; and pink, which marks secure safe zones.
In the ambulance medical training section, Taylor explained the equipment in the back of an ambulance and their uses. This included IV bags, automated external defibrillator kits, saline and glucose for intravenous infusions, needles in various sizes, and vitals monitors which keep track of a patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen levels. The Tzu Shao also learned how to effectively use tourniquets.
During the drone learning portion, Tzu Shao learned about the drones which are used for search and rescue missions, as well as fire location purposes. Jason explained the extensive training required to be an operator, as well as the flight rules for drones, which differ from those required of manned aircraft.
Overall, the Tzu Shao were immensely grateful for the opportunity to learn and the time and effort put into teaching them by the firefighters. “This visit made me admire firefighters even more and taught me a lot about disaster prevention and safety,” reflected Cheryl Huang. “I feel this was not just a fun activity, but also a valuable life education lesson.”
