Firefighters across the nation are required to log hundreds of hours annually to maintain their required certifications, and Asheville Firefighters are no different. That’s why when special training opportunities arise; the department jumps at the chance do them. This week, June 6-7, the Asheville Fire Department will be utilizing the old K-Mart building offsouth Tunnel Rd in order to practice ventilation skills and perform search evolutions before demolition. Firefighters will make use of all types of tools involved for ventilation purposes and will perform functions such as cutting holes and prying doors and windows. Firefighters will also carry out several types of search techniques to heighten their search skills which will better prepare them for not only residential structure rescues but for commercial buildings as well.
During the second week in June, several Asheville Firefighters will get the opportunity to travel to Greenville, SC to train on a high rise structure similar to those found in Asheville. This building is also slated for demolition allowing firefighters to practice their skills once again in ventilation, search, shoring, use of standpipes and much more.
