8331_NewGloucester_2021-2022_AnnualReport_Web

Training with mutual aid partners was something we were able to do more of this year. We had eight joint-training sessions with Gray Fire Rescue, three of which involved live fire. Continued training with our mutual aid partners results in smoother working relationships during incidents. This was evident on many calls where our communities worked together in 2022. In 2022, we were able to return to our annual live-fire drill. We utilized the Auburn Fire Department’s training building located on Minot Ave. The goal of this year’s drill was coordinated fire attack. At a residential structure fire, three tasks must be completed with precise timing for success in mitigating the emergency: search and rescue, fire extinguishment and ventilation. During our live-fire drill, crews practiced a variety of search techniques. These included search under live-fire conditions ahead of a hose line, accessing the interior via a window to search bedrooms, and closing doors as they searched prior to the fire being extinguished. The fire attack team worked on rapid deployment of a hose line around multiple obstacles to the fire room. Once they were in the fire room, they coordinated with a team on the exterior of the building to ventilate the fire. Proper timing between fire attack and ventilation is important. If ventilation occurs too early, the clean air will contribute to rapid and unchecked fire growth. If ventilation occurs too late, heat and smoke will have nowhere to go and the environment in the building will remain hazardous. We were able to light 10 fires and provide good training opportunities for all skill levels. This was the highlight of our year with training. While we hope to not use our skills in a real-life application, emergencies our inevitable. We strive to do our best to be prepared to help you with professionalism and compassion. • Command and leadership training to develop newer members to take on leadership roles within their groups on scene of incidents. • Training on tactics for fighting fires in large and commercial occupancies. • Driver recertification training. • Auto-extrication training • Continued training with mutual aid departments. • Increased EMS training opportunities For 2023, training goals include:

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