The Fairfax Fire and Rescue Department utilizes acquired structures for realistic training in task and scenario-based evolutions. The following is an overview of the SCENARIO training we would endeavor to accomplish while having the use of the acquired structures:

The largest and primary training scenario would be a full box alarm. This would be a practiced coordination that would emulate both the response and tasks of a house on fire.

• First arriving engine communicating a water supply report that would include laying down large diameter hose from the closest hydrant to the home.
• Positioning of the engine and first arriving ladder truck at the front of the home.
  • Other later arriving units would position either as needed to complete water supply or out of the way to not hinder movement of vehicles or personnel.
• First arriving command officer positioning to run the scene.
  • Can be a Battalion Chief, Deputy Chief, or second arriving engine officer.
• The first engine is deploying a hose line while the officer walks a lap of the structure.
  • Looks for basement access, fire location, possible victims, number of floors and possible hazards.
  • Second lap done by truck or rescue officer.
• Taking the hose line through the entrances to the home to the location of the fire.
• Ladders from the first engine are placed at the windows and roof by the truck for quick access or evacuation.
• Searching the home at all levels to find victims.
• Positioning a unit for Rapid Intervention Team operations
  • May go in to retrieve a downed firefighter.
• Lighting the home on all sides for visibility.
• Controlling utilities to the home.
• Additional ladders or hose lines may be deployed.
• All interior tasks would be done while breathing air via Self Contained Breathing Apparatus, or SCBA.
• May include a rescue component that encompasses packaging and removing a downed firefighter.
• All of these could also be done as individual skill stations done by smaller companies or single unit drills

The Fairfax Fire and Rescue Department utilizes acquired structures for realistic training in task and scenario-based evolutions. The following list is an overview of the NON-DESTRUCTIVE training we would work to accomplish while having the use of the acquired structures:

• Radio communications, to include identification of the closest hydrant and an appropriate water supply report by the engine arriving first on scene. This may include laying out several hundred feet of large diameter hose so that another engine can connect to it and then the hydrant, with the intent of supplying water for extended operations.
• Deployment of a hose line to the home.
  • The hose line typically varies in length from 200 ft to 400 ft and is deployed either from the shoulder or flaked out across the ground
  • It is laid out in such a way as to easily be moved into the structure with minimal entanglement. I.E. large loops that are in line with the opening to the structure.
  • Typically deployed by two firefighters but can be done by one.
• Taking ladders from the apparatus and placing them at all windows and roof lines.
  • The mounted aerial ladder may be deployed to the roof as well.
• Charging a hose line in the front yard and taking it through the home.
  • Depending on allowed practice, water would be flowed inside the home for simulated fire attack.
• Searching of the home for victims.
  • Victims may be removed via the ladders or other means.
• Deploying additional hoses and ladders as needed.
• Emulating medical care given to victims removed from the structure
  • Typically, a stretcher and medical equipment is staged as close as safely possible to the fire as to administer care immediately
  • May encounter burns, trauma, or cardiac arrest

This covers a large portion of the intended training that would be done in these homes. The best way to hone our skills and make sure we are best able to respond to emergencies is to do so in an environment as realistic as possible. We practice as much in line with our emergency responses as we can. However, all training is done with the surrounding area in mind and would be amended based on the availability of space, the understanding of the local population, and the express permission of the owners of the homes.

The Fairfax Fire and Rescue Department utilizes acquired structures for realistic training in task and scenario-based evolutions. The following list is an overview of the DESTRUCTIVE training we would work to accomplish while having the use of the acquired structures:

• All non-destructive training practices and skills.
• Cutting ventilation holes in the roof for smoke removal.
• Cutting garage doors with powered saws.
• Opening gables with hand tools and saws to gain lateral access to the attic spaces.
• Breaking windows to allow for searches from the exterior via ladder.
• Forcible entry into the home by breaking through the door locks.
  • Typically done with forcible entry tools such as a Halligan and Axe (married pair).
  • Can be done utilizing a hydraulic ram, should metal doors be found.
• Taking out portions of the interior or exterior walls to make a nontraditional entry or exit.
  • May be used for firefighter survival training.
• Ceiling drywall removal.
• Cutting down parts of the foundation to practice firefighter removal from the basement.
• Taking out portions of the floor to practice victim removal and fire attack.
• All live fire scenarios would fall under destructive training.
• Special operations training, including confined space entry and simulated building collapse

This covers a large portion of the intended training that would be done in these homes. The best way to hone our skills and make sure we are best able to respond to emergencies is to do so in an environment as realistic as possible. We practice as much in line with our emergency responses as we can. However, all training is done with the surrounding area in mind and would be amended based on the availability of space, the understanding of the local population, and the express permission of the owners of the homes.