Members of the Catskill Fire Company, Inc. and nearby firefighters held a multi-station training exercise on May 30 in a village-owned structure in Earlton that was damaged by fire the previous year and is currently being used for training.

According to officials, the session's main topics were roof operations, simulated FAST (Firefighter Assist and Search Team) scenarios, and Vent-Enter-Isolate-Search (VEIS) tactics. The program was created to reinforce basic skills and safety procedures while giving novice firefighters practical experience.

Participants rotated through three training stations developed by officers from both departments. Due to the number of new recruits involved, firefighters trained without SCBA packs to concentrate on the basics of each operation.

Officials said future sessions will build on these fundamentals by incorporating full protective equipment and more realistic conditions. Department leaders encouraged residents interested in serving their communities to visit the firehouse and learn about volunteer opportunities.