September 17, 2025 — The Arcade Fire Department led a large-scale multi-agency exercise Wednesday night at Arcade Manor on Sherman Drive, designed to test evacuation and emergency response procedures at the residential facility.

The event marked the final phase of a months-long project that began with helping building administrators draft an evacuation plan and conducting fire safety training for residents. The full-scale drill simulated a second-floor fire, with multiple residents requiring assistance and several initially unaccounted for.

Firefighters conducted search and rescue operations, performed building ventilation, and evacuated residents to an offsite staging location. The exercise also included a mock “Mayday” call, challenging the Incident Commander and crews to adapt quickly to evolving conditions.

After the drill, all residents were escorted safely back into the facility, with accountability measures ensuring each individual was tracked throughout the process. A formal debrief followed to identify lessons learned, policy improvements, and future training needs.

The exercise was made possible through cooperation with Arcade Manor’s administration and residents, Hope Lutheran Church, the Arcade Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, Wyoming County Office of Emergency Services, and multiple mutual aid partners including Chaffee Sardinia Volunteer Fire Company, North Java Fire Company, Bliss Fire Department, Farmersville Fire Department, Delevan Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad, and Machias Fire Department.