Because fires may be devious and deadly, training is essential.
The need "to teach modern methods of firefighting" was recognized by organizers who established the first Summer Fire School in 1933.
More than 80 years later, an estimated 550 firefighting students, faculty and staff will gather Wednesday through Sunday in Jefferson City to participate in Summer Fire School.
This year's installment combines instruction from the University of Missouri Fire and Rescue Training Institute and the Midwest Wildfire Training Academy.
Fire is an integral part of our lives. Fire and heat cook meals and warm homes, cozy campfires ward off chills and internal combustion engines power vehicles. But when fire is unleashed, either accidentally or intentionally, people and property are at risk.
Summer Fire School will offer training for: fire inspectors, instructors and investigators; certified foresters; law enforcement officers; and Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics. Students, faculty and staff this year will represent 12 states in addition to Missouri.
The university's Fire and Rescue Training Institute includes instruction in a range of categories, including aerospace, business and industry, emergency management, emergency medical, hazardous material and counter terrorism, and municipal fire programs.
And wildlife academy courses train students to manage local wildfire suppression and meet national qualifications to support mobilization needs throughout the nation.
Training in fire prevention and protection will benefit a range of communities in states from Alaska to Arkansas, from Wisconsin to North Carolina.
Our community will enjoy an added benefit; the projected economic impact of Summer Fire School exceeds $550,000 for the four-day event, according to the Jefferson City Convention and Visitor's Bureau.
We encourage residents to welcome fire school participants - who will attend Thursday Night Live from 6-9 p.m. downtown - during their visit.
Summer Fire School participants are improving their training to make their communities safer. And, in doing so, they also provide a substantial boost to our community.