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DUSHORE -- Firefighters from Sullivan and neighboring counties gathered in Dushore on Saturday for a live-fire training exercise conducted by the Dushore and Mildred fire companies.
Eighteen firefighters participated in the daylong training, representing the Dushore, Mildred, Laporte, Muncy Valley, Eldredsville and Picture Rocks fire departments and the Williamsport Bureau of Fire.
Twelve Pennsylvania State Fire Academy staff members provided instruction, supervision and safety oversight during the exercise.
The training used an acquired structure, allowing firefighters to work under realistic fire and smoke conditions in an actual building. Firefighters practiced fire attack, hose advancement, ventilation, search and rescue, communications and other skills in a controlled environment.
"This type of training is extremely valuable because it gives our firefighters the opportunity to experience conditions that simply cannot be duplicated in a classroom," Dushore Fire Chief John Yonkin said. "When the next structure fire occurs, the lessons learned during a day like this can make our firefighters safer, more confident and better prepared to serve the community."
An acquired-structure burn requires extensive preparation, including preparing the building for training and meeting environmental and safety requirements. Fire protection also must be maintained for surrounding communities while local firefighters participate in the exercise.
The Towanda and North Towanda fire departments provided an engine company and tanker to serve as duty crews during the training, helping maintain fire protection coverage.
The Wysox Fire Department provided its air trailer, allowing firefighters to refill self-contained breathing apparatus cylinders throughout the day.
Yonkin said cooperation among departments is important because firefighters from different companies often work together during major emergencies.
"None of our departments operates in isolation," Yonkin said. "On a significant emergency, we depend on one another. Training together allows firefighters to become familiar with each other, our equipment and the way we operate before we are working together at a real emergency."
Towanda and North Towanda fire departments assisted by providing an engine company and tanker to serve as duty crews during the training. Their presence helped maintain fire protection coverage while local departments and personnel participated in the exercise.
The Wysox Fire Department also supported the operation by providing its air trailer, allowing firefighters to refill self-contained breathing apparatus, or SCBA, cylinders throughout the day.
Local businesses and residents also supported the training.
Members of the public stopped throughout the day to watch the training, ask questions and learn about the process involved in conducting a live-fire exercise.
Dushore Fire Company officials said that community interest was particularly appreciated because acquired structure training requires a substantial commitment not only from firefighters and instructors, but also from neighboring departments, businesses, municipal officials and residents.
"The day was a good example of what can be accomplished when everyone works together," Yonkin said. "It takes firefighters, instructors, neighboring departments, businesses, local government and residents to make training like this possible. We are grateful to everyone who helped."
The exercise concluded after a full day of training designed to give firefighters practical experience they can use during future emergencies.