Clark, NJ — April 15th — The Somerset County Fire Academy hosted a training course titled "Dangers Lurking Below: Basement Fires" for members of the Clark Fire Department, located at 250 Broadway. The lesson included ventilation restrictions, access issues, fire behavior in below-grade areas, and structure stability during basement fire operations. Participants included Firefighter/Fire Inspector Ted Padavano, Firefighter/Association President Ryan Crowley, and Acting Lieutenant Patrick Clark Barnes.

Because there are few entrance points and conditions are constantly changing, basement fires continue to be a high-risk assignment. According to department officials, the training strengthens preparedness for structural fire response and mutual aid occurrences throughout the region by promoting safe decision-making, accountability, and coordinated interior operations.