Millburn Firefighters Want To Demolish Your Old House, Car

MILLBURN, NJ — Millburn residents with an old home slated for demolition or a car headed for the junkyard can turn trash into irreplaceable training time for their local fire department, authorities say.

Last week, the Millburn Fire Department announced that – as in years past – it is accepting donations of old cars and houses to be used for firefighter training exercises. Car donations are tax-deductible, the MFD stated.

“We are tremendously grateful for these donations, which help us do our jobs more effectively and can also save lives," said MFD Captain Adam Brenner, the department’s training officer.

Those interested in making a donation can contact Brenner at (973) 564-7044 or abrenner@millburntwp.org

According to the MFD:

“The Fire Department uses old cars to practice vehicle extrication, which is the process of gaining access to a victim who is trapped inside a vehicle. Using an actual car provides the opportunity for firefighters to practice different techniques, and see how their life-saving cutting and spreading equipment reacts in real-world situations. The department also uses old houses for training. A prime example of a donation is a house that is scheduled for demolition by a developer — the developer/homeowner retains ownership of the property, and after the training has been completed, the structure can be demolished for development. Furthermore, the Fire Department maintains its own insurance and assumes responsibility for accidents or injuries resulting from the training, so the property owner assumes no legal liability. During training exercises, the fire department fills the home with fake theatrical smoke to practice searching for a victim or lost firefighter. The department also uses these vacant structures to practice identifying where to open holes in ceilings and walls to search for hidden fire, and cutting holes in roofs to vent smoke. Firefighters can also use these properties to practice safety and survival techniques, such as how to rescue a firefighter who has become trapped.”

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Photo: Millburn Fire Department

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