When Does Training End? Reported Explosion at Oxford Fire

train. The next time you sit in your ready room, share stories of brush fires of the past that have challenged your department.

Training never ends. All responders need to know every aspect of their job. Are you able to perform your job when the conditions get rough? Ask yourself if you are truly physically fit to perform under challenging conditions. Kudos to those members that go to the gym regularly to maintain their fitness and cardio performance.

Are you a student of your craft? Do you read articles that talk about recent fires or new products? When was the last time you came down to the firehouse and took a short rope and performed some of the basic knots with which you’re supposed to be proficient? Do you know how to use that knot to quickly hoist a line or a tool to a roof? If you think you can, challenge yourself and do it! Talking about forcing a door is not the same as doing it. Don’t wait for the yearly drill on a specific tool. You must remain proficient in the techniques and operations that you use every day.

Regardless of your years of experience, your current rank or your rank from the past, lead by example. Remain dedicated to your job. Study, practice, try new things, and ask questions! Astory of the past that is shared with one another means nothing if it does not end with a lesson being shared and learned by others.

When the alarm sounds, respond to the call with enthusiasm. If you miss the truck, stay at the firehouse until the truck returns. Offer to fill bottles, wash tools, and hear the story about the call.

When does training end? I say never!

- Dennis

North Providence 3-Alarmer

North Providence (RI) firefighters responded to White Court on May 5, 2023, forhouse fire. Companies arrived to find heavy fire conditions venting from a two-story wood frame. Asecond alarm was called as companies began advancing handlines into the occupied home. Fire broke through the trussed roofline prompting command to evacuate all firefighters fora defensive attack. Heavy fire took overall floors of the dwelling, which was originally a single-story home that added the second level. The lightweight construction of this addition failed ratherquickly. Athird alarm foradditional manpowerwas requested before the fire was placed undercontrol.

- Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle

On May 15, 2023, Oxford (MA) Fire-EMS responded to an explosion and an out-building fire at the site of an old sawmill. With the fire being out of the hydrant district, a second alarm was struck bringing in mutual aid companies forwatersupply. Due to the extremely dry conditions, they encountered some extension into the nearby brush. - Fire News photo by Bud Harris