Firefighters Receive Hot Training

(Pierre, SD) – November 13, 2003 – Pierre Fire Department (PFD) firefighters recently received training from Iowa based certified fire instructors to make firefighters safer from the effects of fires and “flashover”.  Customized Firefighter Training of Graettinger, Iowa brought two fire and flashover simulators to the Capitol City so PFD member could get hands-on training in a controlled environment.

Training included classroom and actual firefighting.

Classroom training began at the Main Station where firefighters were informed of the goals and hazards of the training.  

Fire training was done in two trailers designed to simulate actual fire conditions but with methods of rapidly removing the hazard, if necessary for safety.

With simulators set up at Station 4, near the mall, the trainers demonstrated the effects of heat and smoke contained within a structure.

Firefighters were able to experience extinguishing live fire in a controlled fire trailer setting.

Before entering the training trailers, firefighters were carefully checked to be sure no skin was exposed beneath protective clothing. The temperatures encountered in the trailer can burn exposed skin quickly.

  A flashover trailer provided firefighters the chance to experience flashover and signs of pending flashover and how to be safe in a controlled situation.

Flashover is a condition where an entire room will suddenly erupt in flame at an explosive speed.

In the flashover trailer temperatures rise so high that helmets and breathing apparatus face pieces may begin to melt. Trainers provided helmets so the firefighters usual one would not be damaged.  All of the rest of the gear was the normal personal protective equipment used by Pierre firefighters. Firefighter Ryan Collins said, “The training was awesome. It provided insights we can usually only get with years of experience.”

Temperatures reach 1100-1200 degrees Fahrenheit at the ceiling and  500 degrees Fahrenheit at the floor of the flashover trainer.

The training was set up and coordinated by PFD Training Officer Ron Schmidt. Schmidt said “This is great training for everyone. It allows our firefighters to learn fire behavior from knowledgeable instructors in a controlled environment.”  

Eighteen PFD firefighters, including several rookies, participated in weekend classes at Pierre fire stations.

Pierre is the capitol city of South Dakota with a population of about 13,000 people and operates entirely with a volunteer fire department. The department has an ISO rating of 3, the same rating as Sioux Falls and Rapid City.

Return to NEWS