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Firefighters use old education building for realistic training
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Vandenberg firefighters recently tore through the base's old education center to receive some education of their own throughout the month of February.
The 60 year old building slated for demolition served a great purpose for the firefighters during the past few weeks. Military and civilian firefighters, along with the Hot Shots, had the opportunity to put the skills they have learned to practice by performing different training scenarios.
"With this opportunity we get a unique chance to take what we have learned through classroom and familiarization, and physically perform vertical roof ventilation and see the effects of proper ventilation," said Tech. Sgt. Joseph Absher, 30th Civil Engineering Squadron firefighter. "The hands-on training and experience the guys get from this is unmatched."
The firefighters performed forcible entry, wall breaching, firefighter survival and search and rescue.
"This type of training does not happen very often, and for some it doesn't ever happen," Said Absher.
The last time Team V firefighters were able to conduct similar training was when the east housing was demolished in 1995. Most firefighter only experience this type of training once in their entire career.
"The training was very realistic, we had to go through a smoke filled environment with very little visibility and breach through a wall," said James Powell 30th Civil Engineering Squadron firefighter and medic. "The training was invaluable. You can't build anything like this and maintain it."
The training gave the firefighters an opportunity to use tools and equipment for what they are designed to do while in a safe and controlled environment. Old buildings are hard to come by and are essential in making sure firefighters are well prepared for ventilating a home during a fire.
With more training, knowledge, and experience under their belt; the firefighters can continue to protect people, the environment and property from all types of accident and emergencies.