In-service training

For many fire departments, conducting live-fire training evolutions for on-duty crews is rarely a top priority. For some chiefs, admitting that the crews need live-fire training is a huge pill to swallow. You've probably heard fire chiefs say, “The good news is we are fighting fewer fires.” And you've probably heard the training officer say, “The bad news is we are fighting fewer fires.” They are both right!

Society clearly benefits when there are fewer fires. No loss of life or property from fire is an idealistic goal. The reality is that there always will be fires that injure, kill or destroy, and there always will be interior firefighting. The fewer fires that firefighters fight, the less experienced they will be in fighting fires. This truism in turn results in a greater need for live-fire training.

In-service live-fire training is only effective when there's a commitment from the city's top administrators down through the ranks of the probationary firefighter. In fact, the term “in-service” live-fire training is somewhat of a misnomer. For training to be effective, crews must be free from the probability of responding to emergencies. In essence, they should be out of service and focused on training.

Training officers should use progressive steps when developing live-fire training evolutions for veteran firefighters who may see few, if any, working fires within a year. Because their fireground skills may be a little rusty, begin with a simple fire scenario that reinforces basic skills such as hose deployment, fire confinement, extinguishment and company integrity. Prior to the drill, make it clear that the objectives of the drill are basic fireground skills, not exposure to intense heat and thick smoke. Resist the urging of some crew members to make the drill more challenging by increasing the fuel load.

Once the fire is out and crews are backed-out of the structure, convene the group for immediate rehydration and a discussion about the best and worst actions during the drill. Have crew members explain why they took specific actions and how those actions did or didn't benefit them or the overall operation.

While mistakes on the training field and the lessons they impart are important, avoid developing live-fire training objectives that are a recipe for failure. If a training officer exploits mistakes, then live-fire training will be perceived as an avenue to make the crews look inadequate and undervalued.

As the crews refresh their skills and demonstrate a higher level of proficiency, increase the challenge of the drill by adding another dimension. For example, designate the nearest hydrant as out of service to challenge the driver/operator, company officer and firefighters. The lack of an established water supply cripples the entire team, forcing the crew to adapt to the situation. Because basic fireground skills have been reinforced already in previous drills, the team's efforts can be put into problem-solving. Had the hydrant been taken out-of-service during the very first drill, it potentially could have overwhelmed the crew and fostered a negative attitude toward training.