Firefighters Simulate Worst Conditions

In April Stirling firefighters participated in a major training exercise that involved a simulated vehicle fire near a small waterway that was carrying hazardous material and its occupants were trapped in the wreckage. To further complicate the circumstances it was assumed to take place during a weekday afternoon when only 10 – 12 firefighters are available. The simulation banned fire company officers from participating, they were only observers. This left the entire incident in the hands of regular firefighters, all of whom have hazmat, extrication, and other training several times each year.
The firefighters were on the first fire truck to arrive immediately recognized the hazmat situation when they saw a hazmat placard on the wrecked vehicle. The fire truck driver stopped a safe distance away and up wind of the white smoke emanating from the wrecked vehicle and immediately radioed the other fire trucks and the County Dispatcher that they had a hazmat situation.
The hazardous material was quickly identified using the Hazmat ID and Response Book, it would not react badly to water, and gave parameters for a safe evacuation zone. Firefighters with their self-contained breathing apparatus took up positions and began extinguishing the fire. As that was being done another crew located and carefully removed the hazardous material and while that was taking place Stirling’s heavy rescue truck crew deployed the Jaws of Life and other extrication equipment to rescue the trapped occupants. Additionally, material to confine vehicle liquids from running into a nearby small waterway was deployed and an adequate supply of water to fight the fire was quickly established. Everything was done in unison.
It looked like a well rehearsed exercise, but in fact it was the first time the firefighters had undertaken such a multi-emergency response in some time. Fire Chief Kevin Phillips and the other officers said their brother firefighters did a superb job and they were very proud of them. As a treat they had pizza and soda during the critique of the exercise.
The Stirling firefighters frequently train in fighting structure, vehicle, or other fires as well as in heavy rescue exercises to extricate occupants trapped in vehicles. They also train in specialty areas such as Confined Space Rescue, Trench Rescue, and Cold Water Rescue. All Stirling firefighters are unpaid volunteers and membership is open to residents of Long Hill Township age 16 and over, male or female. Information at: www.stirlingfd.com.