Tri-Village Fire Adapts Training for Weather

September 9, 2026 — West Topsham, Vermont: The Tri Village Fire Department West had to modify its training schedule due to the weather, but members still took use of the evening to hone critical skills.

In a game called "Find It," participants drew pieces of paper with equipment names on them and had to find the stated items or appliances as fast as they could with little to no help.

Firefighters had the opportunity to learn more about equipment storage locations during the exercise. Additionally, it assisted in locating equipment that could have been lost, relocated, or gone missing. Quick labor was rewarded with sweet goodies. During the training, interior firefighters also practiced rapid removal of gear from a firefighter who may be in distress. The drill focused on situations where a firefighter could require rapid medical treatment, including CPR.

The department said the goal is to maintain skills that may be needed during an emergency, even though members hope they never have to use some of them in a real incident.