Valley Teens fight fires

The Central Mat-Su Fire Department teamed up with Wasilla High School to build a firefighter training program for upperclassmen. It is a two-year class that mirrors what actual recruits go through, mixing classroom work, physical training, and hands-on skills.

Leaders say they started the program after seeing fewer new cadets sign up and a shrinking volunteer pool across the Valley, while the need for firefighters grows.

Instead of waiting for adults to apply, they are building the next generation early. Students learn how fire service really works before they even graduate.

One former cadet already landed a job with the department and is continuing emergency response training. The goal now is to expand the program so more Mat-Su students, including those in outlying areas, can get the same opportunity.