Haddam Fire Visits New Haven Class A Burn Facility

Submitted by: Bob Norton, Haddam Volunteer Fire Co. Information Liaison

“Dispatch to Engine 1-13, you are responding to a structure fire with smoke coming from the basement.” This was the message coming over the radio Sunday, November 13^th as members of the Haddam Volunteer Fire Co. practiced live burn scenarios at the New Haven Regional Fire Training Academy.  A new facility designed to safely simulate real structure fires was used for the training exercise.  Fires were set in several rooms.  Pallets and hay were burned to produce smoke and tremendous amounts of heat.

Approximately 18 members from Haddam traveled to New Haven for the day.  After a morning walk-through and familiarization of the building, the group was split into 4 teams.  Two of the teams were inside for the first fire ignition.  The stages of fire were observed and conditions monitored.  Instructors were present to discuss the types of conditions real fires present, and how to use the smoke levels and visibility to Firefighters advantage when searching for victims.

During each evolution, one group was assigned to be the hose attack team, another to perform search and rescue, a third to be a backup team in case of emergency, and the fourth group a team for command and rehabilitation.  Members moved through the various roles. 

After a delicious lunch of healthy wraps, several more scenarios were run leading up to the “final exam” for the day.  Two separate fires were set below grade, simulating a well involved basement fire.  Two attack teams made entry and were required to stretch charged hose lines through a hallway, down a set of stairs, then along another hallway to the first fire room.  Firefighters encountered heavy smoke and lots of heat while descending into the basement.  The first team found the first fire and worked on getting that under control.  The second team moved through the same route, and located the second fire.  The heat in the room of the second fire was tremendous.

Once outside, gear was checked and all members monitored to make sure the heat had not taken its toll on anyone.  Other than some minor melting of some gear, all members were fine.

The events of the day helped practice the basics of structure fire suppression.  No matter how many drills that can be done with blacked out air pack masks or propane simulated fires, participating in a Class A live burn exercise builds skills most similar to real life.  “I can appreciate the heat much more now and have more self confidence after being in that,” said Probationary Firefighter Kyle Vallera.  Members and officers got practice performing all levels of skills including operating as Command, leading interior teams, and rescuing victim dummies.

While the Haddam Firefighters were out of town training, members of the Chester Hose Company stood by at Haddam Station #1.

More information on the activities of the Haddam Volunteer Fire Co. and ways you can get involved can be found on our website – www.HaddamFire.com.