Firefighters get destructive training

Firefighters were given the rare opportunity earlier this month to do some hands-on "more destructive" training on a house set for demolition. On Feb. 9, representatives from Simmons contacted the Siloam Springs Fire Department to offer the use of the home at 1104 East Tahlequah Street for training. The house was scheduled for tear down this week to make room for the expansion of Simmons' facilities on Lincoln Street.

Training was conducted for all personnel on duty last weekend. In between emergency calls, Siloam Springs firefighters spent several hours each day training at the house, practicing various skills and learning new techniques.

There are several firefighting skills that cannot be practiced without damaging property.

"Dragging hoses, breaking windows, cutting holes in roofs, and forcing doors is clearly not acceptable in homes that are not on fire," Fire Department Deputy Chief of Training John Vanatta said. "On the rare occasions we are offered homes ready for demolition, we can practice these skills and many more."

This was a great opportunity for many of our younger members to get hands-on practice and build their confidence. The Siloam Springs Fire Department employs 48 full-time and 21 part-time firefighters each of whom require specific training in order to meet legal State and National Fire Protection Associations requirements.