An engine company prepares to make entry into the training structure
Although firefighters are frequently exposed to live fire during both emergencies and training, this opportunity is unique. Firefighters are taking part in compartment fire behavior training (CFBT), which allows them to study how fire, heat and smoke move through a structure as a fire develops and then practice safely cooling the air and extinguishing the flames.
During CFBT exercises, firefighters encounter situations which resemble the stage of fire development they’re frequently faced with when they arrive at a burning building: grey/black smoke is drifting from a building and inside heavy smoke fills the air, leaving a cooler, safer layer of air near the floor. Firefighters practice proper door entry and gas cooling techniques as they locate and extinguish the fire.
Smoke pours from the open door of the training structure. Note the layer of "good" air near the floor.
Firefighter instructors have prepared the homes so that they can burn each structure one room at a time, allowing them to set and put out multiple fires and cycle dozens of firefighters through each home.
When firefighters are done with their CFBT drills in each home, TVF&R prepares it to be burned to the ground in a controlled and safe manner. Before the homes are burned, firefighters ensure that the flames will not spread to any surrounding structures.
These final “burn-downs” are used as training for both veteran and probationary firefighters and provide a valuable opportunity to observe fire behavior and smoke conditions in a burning structure.
- Firefighters from Engine 35 man a hose line during a burn-down.
Training in the Bull Mountain area will continue throughout the month of April. You can see more of our photos by clicking here.
