Photo: Harwich Fire Department
HARWICH – Members of the Harwich Fire Department took advantage of a unique training opportunity Tuesday, practicing firefighting techniques at a house made available by the Harwich Conservation Trust.
Firefighters assigned to Group 1 conducted hands-on training focused on roof ventilation and ladder operations, two important skills used during structural fires and other emergency situations.
According to the department, the property is among the houses scheduled for demolition that are periodically made available to firefighters for training exercises.
Roof ventilation involves creating openings in a building’s roof to allow heat, smoke and gases to escape during a fire. When conditions permit, the technique can improve visibility and help firefighters conduct interior operations.
Ladder training allows firefighters to practice safely positioning and climbing ladders, accessing rooftops and upper floors, and preparing for rescue operations.
Using actual buildings provides firefighters with an opportunity to practice these techniques under conditions that more closely resemble real emergencies than traditional training facilities.
The department says access to buildings scheduled for demolition is particularly valuable because firefighters can perform exercises that would not be possible in occupied homes or buildings that must remain intact.
