Firefighters Search Smokehouse

MidTown - October 22, 2002 --- More than a dozen Evans Center Firefighters participated in search, rescue and SCBA training at Erie County's Fire Training Facility located at Chestnut Ridge Park in Orchard Park.

The objectives of the training were to give newer firefighters much-needed experience in fire operations, and to give experienced firefighters the opportunity to refine their skills in simulated conditions. Using water soaked hay to create the smoke, visibility was near zero as crews maneuvered through the two floors of the smokehouse.

Carrying tools and a charged hose line, crews first entered through the first floor and descended the stairs, as they would in the event of a basement fire in a typical residence. After each team went through once, the roles were reversed and the firefighters entered the building via the outside basement stairs and ascended the interior staircase to the first floor. Each evolution included instruction and practice in search techniques, teamwork and communications.

County Fire Instructor Mark Hartley and Erie County Assistant Fire Coordinator Tiger Schmittendorf provided the instruction.

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Photos by: TERI BUCZKOWSKI/Evans Center