By Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Essex Free Press
In 2024, Firefighters from Essex Fire & Rescue Services responded to 348 calls, of which 27 were fires.
In preparation to safely and properly respond to fire-related instances, Essex Fire & Rescue hosts training sessions to best prepare for those requests for assistance. Last week, local Firefighters were able to participate in a live fire attack and search and rescue training session with the Ontario Fire Marshal (OFM).
Sessions spanned across Tuesday evening, and Wednesday morning and evening to accommodate Firefighter availability.
The opportunity allowed the OFM to bring one of its two mobile units to Station 2 – located just outside of McGregor, where OFM instructors were able to host training sessions. The unit is run on propane, allowing for quicker sessions and creating a safer environment for those training. It also simulates smoke.
Deputy Fire Chief Jacey Brockman applied for the special training opportunity, and Essex Fire was able to be the first of the season to use the mobile unit brought down for the training. That was a big win for the local fire department as there is demand.
He noted that live fire training is necessary for Firefighters.
As structure fires are high risk, low frequency calls, Essex Fire Jason Pillon noted training opportunities like this one are essential to ensuring “that when we get the call, we are ready for them.
“We were fortunate enough to get it,” Pillon noted.
He added that fires today run hot and quick, due to the materials from which homes are built.
“We don’t have as much time as we used to, to put fires out,” Pillon explained, adding it is not always known how long a fire has been burning before the call for assistance was made to Firefighters.
In looking at the safety aspect, this opportunity allowed Firefighters the chance to ensure their masks and PPE are being worn correctly. That helps prevent them from breathing toxic fumes
The opportunity also allowed local Firefighters an opportunity to learn new skills.
When going through a response scenario, Pillon noted the OFM instructors were right inside the trailer with Essex’s Firefighters, keeping an eye on safety and watching their techniques. They were also able to pass on knowledge and tips for improvement.
With this opportunity, everybody is learning. After every scenario, Firefighters would debrief with the instructors, Brockman noted. That could include evaluating things like, was enough water used to put out the fire.
The mobile unit, he added, had the ability to allow fire to roll overhead or create a secondary fire behind Firefighters, providing realistic situations in which they may find themselves.
With just a flip of a switch, the mobile unit can create a lot of options from which Firefighters can learn, which is what made this opportunity an incredible learning experience.
The layout in the unit can also be changed, with the walls and partitions moveable, adding to the challenge for Firefighters. That ensured each scenario was different than the one before it.
It also has a sloped roof, giving Firefighters a chance to cut holes, it also provided a two-storey training opportunity, and allowed for training for basement fires. Pillon noted basement fires are dangerous situations.
Down the road, Essex Fire plans to apply for the opportunity again. Both Brockman and Pillon were grateful to have had the opportunity with the OFM instructors – whom they noted were very knowledgeable – and the unit, and so were the Firefighters.
There was no cost from the OFM to host the training.
“The Firefighters, they want to have it again, and would like the unit down longer next time,” Pillon added. He also thanked Essex’s Firefighters for participating in the training on an off-training night. Many had to arrange their schedules, so they could attend.
“Our Firefighters want to train,” Brockman added. “We have to be safe. There is no rushing through it. We make sure we do it right.”
Live fire training is just one skill in which Firefighters have to take part. It is an important training component, which is why it is done annually. Typically, it is done with the training units housed at Station 2.
Lakeshore Fire then had the opportunity to use the unit, before the OFM used it over the weekend to host an instructor training session at Station 2.
Pillon added that Essex Fire is grateful for the Station 2 setup, which allowed this type of training to take place without having to find a vacant spot to accommodate the large trailer that has to have access to a hydrant.
“We value people’s time. They get called away from families all the time,” Pillon said, adding that is in addition to the training time Firefighters put in.
What was especially nice was hearing from the OFM instructors that the Essex Fire crew was engaged.
“It is good to hear that,” Pillon said. Essex Fire admin believes that to be true, but it is nice to hear it from an outside source.”
Looking ahead, Essex Fire & Rescue Services intends to look for more out-of-the-box training sessions. In terms of NFPA requirements, Essex Fire is in good shape, but the idea is to expand Firefighter knowledge in a crew that likes to learn.