Fairfax Participated In St. Albans Fire Training Yesterday

[Henry]

Mike Cain has some photos and info on yesterday's firefighter training in St. Albans on his web site:

http://mysite.verizon.net/vze7krm0/

[PotterFXFD]

 Mike had it a little wrong.  The ladder truck had the ladder up at 70' I went up a little over 60' and decided that was enough climbing for me. That thing is a true stair master about 12" between rungs thats 60 steps up and 60 steps down.
   I also have to thank St. Albans City Fire for inviting use down. It was a great training it is always nice to train with other towns we may work with so we are comfortable working together. And they served use donuts for breakfast and pizza for lunch.


Dean Potter

[HayesFXFD17]

Fairfax Fire Department was able to participate in training scenarios that no department can ever practice enough.  Below I will outline each scenario that department members participated in.  Scenario #2 the wall breeching and emergency egress is one we hope to never have to use in our careers, therefore is one that needs to be trained on regularly to keep our skills sharp.  This scenario was a lot of "fun" but with the realization that should any firefighter be "cut off" from their original entry point into a building than they need to have the tools and skills to get themselves out without panic and by any means necessary. 

Were were able to train with Georgia, Swanton and St. Albans City firefighters which also allowed us to work with and become more comfortable working with departments that we rely heavily upon for mutual aid at large or complex incidents. 

The scenarios presented on Saturday were:

Station 1   - 2  1/2” Hose Advancement
   Objective:  For participants to advance uncharged 2 ½” hose into a large commercial structure, locate seat of simulated fire and take appropriate actions.  This scenario will involve a simulated smoke filled environment created by smoke machine.  SCBA Required.

Station 2  -   Confined Space/Wall Breaching & Emergency Egress.   
   Objective:  Created a non-hostile environment for participants to navigate through a confined space tunnel, breach a wall, and emergency egress (bail out) through a window.  This scenario will involve a darkened area with a maze type configuration.  SCBA Required.

Station 3 -    Hand line Search & Rescue
   Objective:  For participants to advance a charged 1 ¾” hand line while performing a commercial area victim search.  Participants will be required to locate victim (185 lb manikin) and remove to safety.  Scenario will involved a darkened area with obstacles.  SCBA Required.


Station 4 -   Ladder Operations
   Objective: For participants to have the opportunity to handle 35’ and 40’ ladders along with the opportunity to climb an aerial to each persons comfort level.  Scenario will include full PPE without SCBA. 

For those unfamiliar the acronym SCBA stands for Self Contained Breathing Apparatus or the air tanks we wear on our backs.  Thanks to Firefighter Mike Cain for taking some great pictures.  I hope everyone gets a chance to look at them on the web or if you would like there is a video clip on Fox 44 Web site detailing some of the events.

Please remember Safety Day at the Fairfax Fire Station Saturday October 11th 10:00am - 12:00pm

Justin Hayes
Deputy Chief
Fairfax Fire Department