FCVFD - Incident Photos
Practical Evolutions
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Description
The owners of 2019 Franklin Avenue in McLean graciously granted the Falls Church VFD access to their property prior to demolition on the weekend of January 28-29, 2006. This provided an opportunity for members to practice skills in a realistic setting and gain valuable practical experience through destructive exercises. Evolutions on Saturday included: -exterior rapid size-up of the structure and attempt to develop an idea of the interior layout. -review of basic victim removal techniques -primary search and rescue of mannequins from the basement under zero visibility conditions -hoseline advancement under limited visibility conditions -positive pressure and fog ventilation tactics removing theatrical smoke -building construction features typical of Type III construction Evolutions on Sunday included: -Mayday! scenarios and self-rescue techniques through wall breaches -roof ventilation -primary search and rescue of mannequins from the 1st floor -hoseline advancement to the basement -basement fire response simulation with crew assignments to fireground tasks such as hoseline management, search and rescue, forcible entry, overhaul, and utility control -forcible entry on doors and windows -overhaul techniques for opening walls and ceilings -breaching operations for wood floors and masonry walls Most evolutions were done under simulated fireground conditions created by a smoke generator loaned by the ACFD Fire Training Division. Two mannequins were also loaned by the Training Division for rescue practice. The Auxiliary to the FCVFD provided refreshments at the drill site as well as lunch both days at the fire station. Light and Air 103 was utilized for power generation and breathing air replenishment at the site. The evolutions were interrupted by a 2+ alarm fire in the City of Falls Church on Saturday that required the response of Light and Air 103 along with Canteen 106. While the majority of the certified firefighters responded to the fire, the evolutions continued with the recruit firefighters practicing basic skills.
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