Virginia Firefighters Have Live Burn in Dinwiddie

Seasoned firefighters joined ranks with rookies for a series of live burn evolutions in Dinwiddie (VA) on September 1.

Smoke rolled and flames licked the sky, walls of heat beat against the firefighters as they honed their skills in taming the beast.

Before the final burning of the donated house and shed, numerous practice fires were set.

Tony Williams, Dinwiddie Fire Marshal said different scenarios were set up. One room had a sprinkler head that activated,one room didn't,this enabled firefighters to see the benefits of a sprinkler system. A mattress fire was set in one room. Fire was also set in the attic area.

Fire crews had a surprise test when in the middle of a live burn evolution the evacuation code along with apparatus air horns sounding was given. The air horns are an evacuation warning in case communications in the building are not heard. Firefighters were timed on their compliance and reaction to this vital drill.

Points were stressed such as you are a team, exit as a team.

The burn was conducted for Namozine Volunteer Fire Department,but firefighters from other Dinwiddie stations were invited so they could benefit from the opportunity. Dinwiddie stations not involved in the live burn provided station coverage for Namozine during their training day.