Thirteen firefighters and safety inspectors from across the Department of Defense attended a training program at Fort Leonard Wood from June 10 to 14.
The program, called the Plans Review I and II Certification Course, was aimed at ensuring facility designs meet fire codes before construction begins.
Kevin Curtis, Fort Leonard Wood Fire Department assistant fire chief, stated: “The purpose of this certification is to enhance the fire engineering in construction projects, improve employee performance reliability and strengthen the professionalism of all DOD fire and emergency services personnel.”
The five-day program drew students from Italy, Germany, and Japan.
It included instruction on plan reviews, communication with fire inspectors and emergency response personnel, and interpretation of codes.
Stephen Reid, a senior fire instructor for the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute, taught the course.
Reid said: “They are from all over the world and work for different military branches. Their input adds to the class, and they learn a lot from each other.”
Reid added that his experience as a firefighter allows him to provide practical insights into the Plans Examiner curriculum.
Marie Gunia, a fire safety inspector for U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart, Germany, expressed her appreciation for the course.
Gunia said: “With this training, I will be able to come up with solutions and better ideas before construction starts, saving time and money.”
Gunia emphasized the importance of prevention in fire safety.
“As much as we train, we don’t want to have to use our training. We want to prevent fires from ever happening. Prevention is lifesaving,” she said.
Students will leave the course with a Plans Review I and II certification from the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC).
This certification aims to improve the accuracy and thoroughness of fire inspections and the review of architectural plans.
Curtis noted the importance of verifying fire codes before new projects begin, highlighting that regulations are continuously evolving.
“The outcome of the plan review process will impact the building’s construction and built-in fire protection features for the life of the building,” Curtis added.
