Springfield FD conducts specialized training for house fires

Springfield firefighters ran a five-scenario drill at a building on Lyman Street that had been slated for demolition, giving crews realistic practice in rescue and house-fire response. The demolition was postponed so the department could use the structure for training, officials reported.

Springfield firefighters held a specialized training drill Friday on Lyman Street to sharpen house-fire response and life-saving rescue skills. The exercise took place in a building that had been scheduled for demolition to allow more realistic practice than station drills. Crews rotated through five distinct emergency scenarios designed to test movement, decision-making and tool use. Commissioner B.J. Calvi described the training as a way to help crews protect themselves and the community. Key details: - The drill was run on Lyman Street in a building originally set for demolition. - Crews rotated through five real-world scenarios, including repelling from a window, sliding onto a ladder, escaping after falling through a floor, and cutting through a metal door. - The property’s demolition was postponed at the request of the Springfield Fire Department so crews could use the structure for training. - Calvi said station training does not allow the same level of realistic damage and that the exercise allowed crews to alter the environment for practice. - He also noted that firefighting is a high-risk occupation and reported that more than 100 firefighters die in the line of duty each year. Summary: The exercise gave Springfield crews hands-on practice in a realistic setting and reinforced rescue skills and safety procedures. Demolition of the building was postponed to allow the training to proceed. Undetermined at this time.