KENNEWICK, Wash. – Fire agencies from across the region gathered in Kennewick to participate in a new type of hands-on training aimed at preparing firefighters for real emergencies.
The Kennewick Fire Department and Benton County Fire District #1 have introduced a new fire simulation system during this week’s training. This year’s training features the new Class B system that uses clean-burning propane instead of wood. The live-fire training started on Monday and will continue through Saturday, focusing on communication and relationships among various departments.
Brian Cole, Kennewick Fire Department’s training captain, highlighted the benefits of this system.
“It’s so easy for us to flare the fire back up. And so if they (firefighters) knock the fire down, they think it’s out. They move on. We can hit a button and all of a sudden the fire is back up again,” Cole said.
This clean-burning fuel produces less smoke and fewer carcinogens while simulating realistic fire conditions.
Cole said that in the past, they used a flashlight in a cone to simulate fire or would burn wooden pallets. This new system allows firefighters to work with real fire and observe how it reacts.
The Kennewick Fire Department holds various types of training throughout the year, providing firefighters with valuable experience in handling real-life fire scenarios.
Richland Fire Department, Pasco Fire Department, Benton County Fire District #1, Benton County Fire Protection District No. 2, Franklin County Fire District 3 and Walla Walla County Fire District 5 all attended the training.
More information about the Kennewick Fire Department’s training division can be found here.
