Phillips, ME — July 7 — To improve rural firefighting operations, the Phillips Fire Department and Kingfield Fire Department held a cooperative drafting and water supply training exercise at Toothaker Pond. Firefighters reviewed various pump setups and practiced using portable forestry pumps, drafting procedures, and dry hydrant operations. Engine 191 and Tanker 194 from Kingfield, as well as Tanker 14 and Attack 12 from Phillips, took part in the practical exercise.

Water was pumped from the pond and returned by handlines and deck cannons. For upcoming rural fire occurrences in both departments' reaction areas, the training improved water supply operations, strengthened mutual aid coordination, and strengthened driver-operator skills.