NEW HOPE, Pa. (Tuesday, Sept. 9) — Firefighters with the New Hope Eagle Volunteer Fire Company practiced first-due operations for residential structure fires during their weekly drill Tuesday night.

Crews of six worked off Quint 46 to stretch and advance a hand line to a simulated building entrance. The nozzle firefighter, backup firefighter and officer masked up, called for water and advanced the line about 25 feet while flowing water.

Two additional firefighters forced entry using the company’s “Blue Door” simulator before masking up to assist with line advancement and search. At the same time, the pump operator coordinated with the Tanker 46 operator to establish a water supply to the Quint.

After each exercise, crews reset equipment and repeated the drill. Four full operations were completed.

Company officers said the repetition helps build muscle memory so crews can perform essential fireground tasks smoothly under pressure.