Training Fires: How Fire Departments Use Controlled Burns to Prepare Firefighters

Fire departments across the country often have a special type of building they use for practice fires. These buildings, known as drill towers, are specifically designed for training purposes and help firefighters gain the experience they need to handle real-life emergencies.

What Are Drill Towers?

Drill towers are concrete or brick buildings that are intentionally built to be burned. Inside these structures, fire departments place materials like wood and hay, which are then set alight to simulate a real fire. This process allows rookie firefighters to gain hands-on experience in a safe and controlled environment, essential for building confidence and improving their skills.

Fire Department Training with Controlled Burns

Controlled burns are a critical part of fire department training. Let's delve into how these practice burns provide valuable experience for firefighters:

Learning Real-Life Fire Situations

Fires can be unpredictable, and firefighters need to be prepared for a wide range of scenarios. Controlled burns provide an opportunity for firefighters to practice their skills in a supervised environment, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of how fires behave and how to deal with them more effectively.

Rescue Techniques and Safety Training

Besides fire handling, controlled burns also help firefighters practice rescue techniques. They can learn how to safely enter and exit burning buildings, how to rescue trapped individuals, and how to manage a fire in a controlled and effective manner. This is crucial for ensuring the safety of both the firefighters and the public.

Real-World Application

For volunteer firefighters like me, these drills were incredibly useful. We were tasked with extinguishing small fires before moving on to larger burns. This gradual approach helped us build our skills and confidence. It was particularly useful when we had to enter a burning structure and navigate through the smoke, something that is invaluable experience in a real fire situation.

Types of Training Structures

Not all fire departments have purpose-built drill towers. Many use a variety of methods to prepare their firefighters. Here are a few common types of training structures and methods:

Donated or Demolished Structures

Old buildings that are slated for demolition can also be used for training. Fire departments may burn such structures to gain experience in handling real fires. The advantage of using these buildings is that they provide a realistic environment that can simulate the types of fires and structures firefighters might encounter in their duties.

Burn Containers and Simulators

Some fire departments use specialized containers or simulators specifically designed for training. These are smaller structures that can be easily set up and taken down for practice drills. They are useful for providing quick and efficient training sessions without the need for large-scale burns.

Rural and Large Departments

Rural departments often have abandoned structures, such as old barns or sheds, donated to them for training. On the other hand, larger and even some medium-sized departments may have dedicated training buildings that are continuously used for the FD training program. These buildings may receive funding from DHS (Department of Homeland Security) to ensure they are properly equipped and maintained for training purposes.

Conclusion

Controlled burns and drill towers are essential components of fire department training. They provide firefighters with the experience they need to handle real-life emergencies with confidence. Whether through donated buildings, specialized containers, or large training facilities, fire departments are constantly working to ensure their firefighters are well-trained and prepared to face any challenge.