Double Benefit from Fire Training

Like most volunteer fire departments, firefighters are always being challenged in training. Sometimes the practice can be combined with public service.

That was the case last night as the Pugwash Fire Department combined a water exercise with a cleaning job at the Pugwash Yacht Club.

The exercise called for firefighters to seek a water source and bring water to a mock fire scene.

They send a pumper to a lake, river, or dry hydrant and transport a load of water to a waiting porta-tank at the fire scene. The pumper returns with more loads until the task is complete. Last night that meant four round trips.

Meanwhile a tanker crew trains on fire fighting while drawing water from the porta-tank.

Last night, the docks at the yacht club doubled for a fire scene, with a good washing just days ahead of being installed as the floating berths for another season.

Another team of firefighters worked the same drill with water transfer but their make believe fire allowed them to clean the parking lot at the Pugwash Coop.

Fire training and public service, it’s a win — win.

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