Castine Fire Rescue Probationary Firefighters Complete Intensive Hose Evolutions

Castine, ME - Probationary firefighters with the Castine Fire Rescue Department completed an intensive, hands-on training evening dedicated to fire hose fundamentals, maintenance, and tactical deployment on Wednesday.

The session took place on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, aligning directly with standardized performance objectives from the Maine Basic Fire School skill sheets.

Recruits opened the evening with comprehensive instruction on fireground hose classifications, diameter variations, and proper cleaning, inspection, and care protocols required to guarantee operational reliability. Members then advanced through an extensive series of hose-rolling techniques, demonstrating proficiency in the straight roll, single doughnut roll, twin doughnut roll, self-locking twin doughnut roll, and salvage recovery rolls.

The second half of the evolution transitioned into live apparatus bed management and advancing attack lines. Operating on 1.75-inch handlines, the probationary members drilled extensively on packing primary loads—including the flat load, the triple layer load, and the minuteman load—followed by rapid deployment, line flaking, draining, and repacking.

The evolutions were facilitated by a custom crosslay simulator constructed by department member Dakota Fahey, allowing recruits to repeatedly pack and deploy working lines without stripping active engine beds, ensuring front-line apparatus remained fully staffed and response-ready throughout the drill.