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Seventeen people hoping to become Kern County firefighters trained Tuesday near the Panorama bluffs as part of an academy to hone skills.

The simulation of a rescue on a steep hill is part of an 18-week course. Students learn to utilize ropes and pullies when rescuing the stranded while using teamwork, said Sean Collins, spokesman for Kern Fire.

“Everybody thinks a fire department deals with just fires,” Collins said. “This is a testament to other things we do.”

Officials hoped to use a helicopter in the rescue efforts Tuesday, but it was grounded due to high winds. 

The course is in its seventh week. The trainees have passed tests and interviews, and now have the training to get through.

“It is a tough academy,” Collins said. “Hopefully all of them will graduate.”

Next week: a fire simulation. They'll experience what it's like to fight a big rig fire in a controlled environment.

— Jorge Barrientos, Breaking News Reporter