Firehouse

Here are some shots of the firehouse. McMurdo's isolation combined with the dry, windy weather makes fires a real threat. That being said, I think the firefighters have one of the easiest jobs in town.

The firehouse is responsible for all the surface travel checkouts, so I had to go there for the Castle Rock hike to pick up a radio. When we traveled to Cape Evans, the tour guide had to do a vehicle check out, and when we had bad weather, the van drivers had to check out with the firehouse. However, those tasks are not handled by the firefighters themselves.






























































Aside from providing medical support at the Rugby game the firefighters here also count the number of people in buildings during big events and watch the doors to make sure no one sneaks in without being counted.

This low quality photo was taken at one such event, and I'm sure you all know who this DV (distinguished visitor) is.











That is none other than His Serene Highness, Prince Albert II of Monaco. He is in the midst of a whirlwind tour of Antarctica as Monaco just recently signed the Antarctic treaty. Had I not been so ignorant about Monaco, I may not have been as underwhelmed by his talk.

I found these tidbits pretty interesting.

Monegasques are actually a minority in their own country.
Monaco has a population of roughly 33,000 people and is less than one square mile in area.