| The Potsdam Fire Department conducted a LIVE FIRE TRAINING EXERCISE on Sunday, October 10, 2004 at 32 Pine Street. The early morning training started off with coffee and a pre-drll briefing at 6:00 AM by Chief Taylor and Assistant Chief McGregor at the Potsdam Fire Station. Potsdam firefighters were joined by firefighters from Canton Fire, Norwood Fire, Parishville Fire, West Potsdam Fire, and West Stockholm Fire.
The Potsdam Fire Department meeting room was filled with firefighters anxiously waiting to get the drill under way. Firefighters were first briefed on the events of the day including everything from apparatus placement, communications, staging, and emergency operations. Firefighters then proceeded to the training site and began to set up the training ground. All water supply for the days events would be supplied by a tanker shuttle utilizing two draft sites established by engines from West Stockholm and West Potsdam Fire. Hydrants would be utilized only if water supply became an issue.
Live fire training in the structure began at approximately 07:45 AM utilizing the thermal imaging camera and self-contained breathing apparatus purchased with funds from the 2003 FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant. The training exercise allowed the firefighters to experience realistic conditions to conduct apparatus operations, forcible entry, initial attack, ventilation, and search and rescue operations. The live fire exercise also helped the Potsdam Fire Department meet the mutual aid training requirements for its ISO (Insurance Service Organization) rating. Once the training evolutions were completed the structure was burned to the ground. Traffic flow in the vicinity of the structure was limited to one lane.
The training drill lasted through the morning into early afternoon. Area residents watched in amazement as the firefighters set and extinguished numerous fires in the structure before burning both the house and old garage on the property to the ground. All units cleared the scene and the equipment cleanup process began. Hoses were washed, new hose loaded, SCBA cleaned and refilled, and turnout gear washed. The long day was well worth the practical experience acquired. Several firefighters were baptized to old man fire for the first time today.
The Potsdam Fire Chiefs would like to thank Premier Bus for donating the property for the live fire training exercise. We would also like to thank the area fire departments and their firefighters that participated in the training drill. Most of all we would like to thank all the Potsdam Firefighters for their committment to training and dedication they have shown protecting the citizens of Potsdam. |
