Your planning committee, with the input of the local's leaders and department members, will decide who should be invited.

•  Hand-deliver the invitations and explain the event. Follow up with a phone call or encourage supportive council members to make calls.

•  Make sure the media is invited -- either as a participant or to report about the day -- if you want to receive coverage.

•  Consider the capacity of your location, extra equipment available (boots, PPE, SCBA, etc.) and your time constraints when deciding the number of people to invite. Fire Ops 101 events can have as few as 10 participants or as many as 30 or more participants, depending on the number of invitations and the number who accept. Consider borrowing equipment from vendors or other departments so equipment does not have to be purchased.

Once your participants have accepted, send them a confirmation letter with information about when to arrive, where to park, what to wear, what to eat, and include any medical forms you need them to fill out in advance.

Download:Sample Invitation

Download: Sample Confirmation Letter

Download: Medical History Form