Pittsford, VT - Pittsford Fire Department members recently conducted focused training on efficient fireground operations designed for incidents where staffing levels may be limited on initial arrival.

The evolution centered around the deployment of a Blitzfire portable monitor system, emphasizing rapid setup and effective fire suppression capability with a reduced crew of just two to three firefighters. The objective was to improve early-arriving company effectiveness during weekday responses when manpower may be constrained.

The training, held on 3 September in Rutland County, highlighted real-world operational challenges faced by both volunteer and career fire services, particularly in maintaining aggressive initial attack capability before additional resources arrive on scene.

Crews practiced positioning, water supply connection, and coordinated flow control to ensure the unit could be deployed quickly for offensive fire knockdown or exposure protection. Emphasis was placed on speed, simplicity, and safe operation under limited staffing conditions.

The drill reinforced the importance of adaptability in modern fire service operations, ensuring that even with reduced personnel, crews can still deliver effective suppression capability until full response assignments are in place.