Watch Hill and Misquamicut Firefighters team up for joint training
 
By Deputy Chief Jason Simmons & Lieutenant Chris Koretski
July 22, 2014
 

The Members of the Watch Hill Fire Department joined with the Misquamicut Fire Department in live fire training twice in the last month using propane props from the Old Mystic Fire Department. The purpose of these training exercises was to expose firefighters to live fire under controlled conditions as they develop and refine the techniques necessary to control these types of incidents.

With the assistance of the Old Mystic Fire Department and with the guidance of OMFD Assistant Chief Chris Clarkin and OMFD Captain Keith Richards, firefighters from both departments completed multiple training scenarios with a car fire prop, a large propane tank prop, and a propane piping and valve prop.

These joint training opportunities have given our firefighters an opportunity to work with our mutual aid partners from Misquamicut while developing and refining the skills required to safely and effectively perform our jobs.

We always enjoy teaming up with the members of other emergency services and thank the Misquamicut Fire Department for joining us and for providing dinner after training!

The only way to get better and proficient is to train!

Thank you to Sergeant Robert Perkins for the use of the photos.
 
Watch Hill Firefighters use two hose lines to cool down the overheated propane tank as Captain Perkins reaches in to shut off the valve and stop the flow of burning propane.
Watch Hill Firefighters use two hose lines to cool down the overheated propane tank as Captain Perkins reaches in to shut off the valve and stop the flow of burning propane.
Under the watchful eye of the safety officer, Watch Hill Firefighters advance on the tank and cool the leaking valve.
Under the watchful eye of the safety officer, Watch Hill Firefighters advance on the tank and cool the leaking valve.
 
Watch Hill and Misquamicut Firefighters work together to extinguish the burning propane from the leaking tank.
Watch Hill and Misquamicut Firefighters work together to extinguish the burning propane from the leaking tank.
The live fire training prop provided by the Old Mystic Fire Department is ignited as Watch Hill and Misquamicut Firefighters prepare to extinguish it.
The live fire training prop provided by the Old Mystic Fire Department is ignited as Watch Hill and Misquamicut Firefighters prepare to extinguish it.
 
As firefighters advance on the burning tank, the relief valve activates due to the intense heat and shoots flames more than twenty feet into the air.
As firefighters advance on the burning tank, the relief valve activates due to the intense heat and shoots flames more than twenty feet into the air.
Under the supervision of safety officers from Watch Hill and Misquamicut, several firefighters work together and advance two hose lines towards the fire.
Under the supervision of safety officers from Watch Hill and Misquamicut, several firefighters work together and advance two hose lines towards the fire.
 
Under the supervision of the two safety officers, Watch Hill firefighters work hard and endure intense heat as they extinguish the fire.
Under the supervision of the two safety officers, Watch Hill firefighters work hard and endure intense heat as they extinguish the fire.
Misquamicut Engine 203 pumps the hydrant during the joint training session.
Misquamicut Engine 203 pumps the hydrant during the joint training session.
 
Watch Hill Engine 102 and Ladder 104 standby during the joint training session.
Watch Hill Engine 102 and Ladder 104 standby during the joint training session.
Misquamicut Firefighters receive their final instructions from Assistant Chief Bill Davis as they prepare to extinguish the fire.
Misquamicut Firefighters receive their final instructions from Assistant Chief Bill Davis as they prepare to extinguish the fire.
 
The live fire training prop provided by the Old Mystic Fire Department is ignited as Watch Hill and Misquamicut Firefighters prepare to extinguish it.
The live fire training prop provided by the Old Mystic Fire Department is ignited as Watch Hill and Misquamicut Firefighters prepare to extinguish it.
Chief Peacock gives a final safety briefing to a team of Watch Hill Firefighters as Chris Clarkin and Keith Richards of the Old Mystic Fire Department staff the control center during the live fire training exercises.
Chief Peacock gives a final safety briefing to a team of Watch Hill Firefighters as Chris Clarkin and Keith Richards of the Old Mystic Fire Department staff the control center during the live fire training exercises.