Keene C-Shift Practiced Engine Company Operations During Live-Fire Drill

Keene, N.H. — October 19 — Personnel from C-Shift alongside Lt.Poulin of the Professional Firefighters of Keene, IAFF Local 3265, engaged in live-fire training exercises. The session concentrated on engine company operations, interior search protocols, and fire control strategies.

Crews engaged in drills involving searches conducted without a handline, relying instead on the water can, commonly referred to as the can, to contain the fire within its room of origin. These exercises provided personnel with the opportunity to evaluate movement patterns within the structure, assess prevailing conditions, and mitigate fire propagation while executing assigned duties.

Engaging in search operations without the aid of a handline demands that firefighters remain acutely attuned to the fire's precise location and its dynamic evolution. Employing a water can proves instrumental in suppressing incipient fires, thereby preventing their spread beyond the compartment of origin while crews execute interior search protocols. The efficacy of fireground operations is predicated upon rigorous communication, seamless coordination, and an unequivocal comprehension of individual responsibilities within the team.

Conducted at The Drill Yard, where the Spofford Firefighters' Association granted access to its facilities and equipment, the training exercise was made possible through their generous support. In acknowledgment of this collaboration, the Keene firefighters expressed their gratitude to both organizations for their instrumental role in facilitating the operation.

Live-fire exercises afford crews invaluable practical experience under conditions that remain elusive within the confines of classroom instruction. Consistent practice enables firefighters to refine established protocols and enhance operational coordination during emergency responses. Furthermore, the Keene Fire Department sustains a dedicated training division designed to bolster overall departmental preparedness and training efficacy. The Professional Firefighters of Keene, organized under IAFF Local 3265, were stationed at 31 Vernon Street in Keene, New Hampshire, 03431.