HIMROD, NY — August 18 — Firefighters used a vacant house in their community to carry out practical interior fire training, allowing them to practice their skills in a controlled setting.

The Himrod Fire Department, located at 3530 Himrod Road, Himrod, NY 14842, The department is a volunteer group based in Yates County and is recognized as a first-responder agency by the state.

On August 18, firefighters used a fog machine to create simulated smoke and placed cones to mark fake fire locations.

Firefighters performed initial searches, navigated through obstacles, and practiced moving closer to and putting out simulated fires.

The training also involved group discussions, during which firefighters reviewed the exercises, identified what they had learned, and talked about various methods for handling interior firefighting operations.

Training in a real building allows firefighters to experience realistic conditions that are difficult to replicate in a classroom.

Yates County frequently offers firefighter training programs, including those held at the Himrod Fire Department.

Department officials expressed their gratitude to the property owners for allowing the use of the home and to Yates County fire instructors Allen Bush and Jared Webster for their assistance in making the training possible.