Tailored objectives

Meaningful and successful live-fire training scenarios should be centered on the type of occupancy involved in the drill. For example, if the scenario includes a response to an interior fire at a strip shopping center, then the learning objectives should be tailored accordingly. Include objectives that will challenge firefighters and fire officers to think “commercial fire” rather than “residential fire.” These may include deployment of larger-diameter hose lines, use of solid-stream nozzles, connecting to automatic sprinkler systems, forcible entry though security bars and doors, and air management — all of which are common to fires in most commercial buildings.

A common mistake in developing live-fire training scenarios for in-service crews is incorporating too much detail in the drill. Resist the temptation to over-script the scenario. Establish the objectives and develop a scenario that will enable the firefighters to accomplish them in their own manner without interference or excess scrutiny. As long as the training objectives are met using safe practices and within departmental guidelines, then the drill can be labeled a success. Foster creative thinking skills by asking fire officers and firefighters to explain the risks and benefits of their decisions and actions during the drill. Who knows? Maybe a new guideline will be introduced resulting from a success rather than a failure.

When developing live-fire training objectives and scenarios, it's important to understand the physical limitations of the crews involved. An effective way to address this concern is by limiting the amount of time firefighters are engaged in live-fire training drills. If firefighters become too hot, tired or dehydrated, then learning will cease and the drill will become ineffective and potentially unsafe. This attention to physical limitations is especially important if crews are expected to return to duty after the training session.

The adage that “big fires start small” is absolutely true. The key to successful firefighting includes the combination of safe, effective and reliable basic firefighting skills supporting a sound firefighting strategy. Live-fire training should be conducted along these same lines. Start with live-fire training scenarios that are limited in scope and focus on success. Then build on that success by adding meaningful and purposeful tactical objectives.

Many think that the effectiveness of live-fire training is directly proportionate to the amount of heat the firefighter is exposed to. This concept is not live-fire training — it's more along the lines of endurance training. Safe and effective live-fire training is a direct result of developing appropriate learning objectives. A good chief officer remains focused on the risks versus benefits as opposed to conducting live-fire training as a rite of passage.

Pat McAuliff is the Director of Fire Science/EMS for Collin County Community College. Located in McKinney, Texas, the college offers a multitude of fire service certification and degree programs, as well as in-service training. He also serves as the Presiding Officer for the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, Curriculum and Testing Committee.