The House
The house was donated for training by the owners of the land. This home was special, in that it was intact with out any damaged walls, ceilings or floors. Construction of this home included quality lath and plaster that was able to withstand intense heat and flames for a longer time without worry of fire spread to other parts of the house as each room was utilized one at a time as a "room and contents fire". This afforded the firefighters to be able to train in seemingly "real world" conditions with an extra measure of safety. Once the rooms were used to their maximum for burns, the decsion to burn the house was made. A fire was set in the basement to burn the building.
The Equipment
Somers Engine 6312 (pictured in top photo with house), connected to a hydrant with a five inch supply hose, was the primary pumping engine. Engine 6313 (not pictured) was the back-up safety engine. Tender 6361 (above right) was a back-up safety water supply for the entire training. Engine 6311 (above left) remained in service to take all calls.
The People
Somers Firefighters included the Chief all the way down to the newest probationary member of the department. Everyone present was given at least one opportunity to be in with the attack crew on the fire attack line.
The House on Fire
