FCVFD - Incident Photos
Fireground Operations Drill
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Description
A rare and valuable opportunity presented itself when a local homeowner graciously allowed the Falls Church VFD access to a property slated for demolition. The home and attached garage were to be demolished to make way for a new residence. Using the donated structures, the Falls Church VFD hosted a training session for twenty-five volunteers from the Arlington VFD, Cherrydale VFD, Clarendon VFD, and Falls Church VFD. A number of practical exercises were conducted at the property during the weekend of January 26-27, 2002. Evolutions included incident simulations, forcible entry, roof ventilation, window removal, search and rescue, firefighter rescue, hoseline management, and overhaul. The incident simulations were completed using a smoke generator loaned by the Arlington County Fire Department Training Division. The smoke generator enabled the instructors to simulate live fire conditions by reducing visibility significantly within the structure. The participants were divided into teams of four and given typical fireground assignments to complete. Incident command and accountability were stressed during all phases of the operation. The crews were instructed to perform their tasks exactly as they would on a real fireground, including forcing open doors, walls, and windows. The roof ventilation scenarios were completed using a saw loaned by J.D. Long Masonry. Members were given the opportunity to cut the roof materials with both the power saw and hand tools. The metal framed casement windows presented an unusual challenge to the firefighters. The construction of the windows created a barrier that could entrap firefighters or prevent them from removing a victim to the exterior. Firefighters were given the task of clearing the windows sufficiently to allow a person to pass through. Another construction feature that provided good experience to firefighters was the brick and block construction of the home. Firefighters were tasked with breaching a hole through the exterior wall to facilitate escape. This hole was created using only hand tools. The firefighter rescue drills were conducted based upon two actual cases where firefighters lost their lives. The Denver Drill consisted of removing an unconscious firefighter from a narrow space out through a window. The Columbus Drill simulated the rescue of a firefighter from a lower level, such as following a floor collapse. These scenarios were instructed by members who have completed the Mayday! Firefighter Down! course provided by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs. The Auxiliary to the Falls Church VFD supported the training by providing hot and cold drinks, snacks, and lunch on both days. In addition to the training, volunteer firefighters interacted with members of the neighborhood who had gathered to watch the evolutions. Plastic fire helmets and a tour of the pumper were provided to the children. Adults also had the opportunity to ask questions about fire department operations.
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