Pawlet, VT - On 25 August, Pawlet Volunteer Fire Department members participated in a coordinated mutual aid training exercise at the JK Adams facility in Dorset, Vermont, alongside Arlington, West Pawlet, Rupert, and Manchester fire companies.

The drill incorporated a controlled pallet burn to simulate active fire conditions, allowing crews to operate in realistic heat and smoke environments while practicing coordinated interior and exterior suppression tactics. Firefighters focused on hose line advancement, fire attack coordination, and effective multi-company communication throughout the evolution.

A major focus of the training was large-scale rural water supply operations, with tanker units conducting sustained shuttle and relay movements to maintain continuous water flow in a non-hydranted area. Crews also worked through fill-site setup and portable tank operations to simulate extended-duration fireground demands.

Additional training included operations with Manchester’s tower ladder, where firefighters practiced aerial placement, elevated fire attack, and cordinated scene coverage from height, improving integration between ground crews and aerial operations.

The exercise enhanced inter-agency cordination, water delivery efficiency, and overall readiness for complex rural incidents requiring multiple departments working seamlessly together.