Local Fire Departments Conduct Live Fire Training
Firefighters from several local departments are getting a unique training opportunity this month. An empty home in New Hope on Nevada Avenue is the site of several live fire training exercises.
About 50 firefighters from the West Metro Fire-Rescue District, Golden Valley and Maple Grove fire departments are taking part in the training. The departments get to practice crew management, learn how to attack a fire, study the fire’s behavior and get to work on their communication.
Fire officials say the last time they conducted such a training was last October.
“They’re hard to come by, but it is significant training for us. It’s the only way for them to see and feel what it’s like to make entry into a fire,” said West Metro Fire Chief Sarah Larson.
The final training exercise will happen this Saturday, Aug. 24. That’s when they plan to burn down the entire house.
