Regional Fire Companies Complete Multi-Agency Live-Burn Training in Bethlehem Township
Photo by Glen Gardner Fire Company #1Fire apparatus from multiple agencies stage outside the Hunterdon County Emergency Services Training Center as crews prepare for live-burn training evolutions in Bethlehem Township
Photo by Glen Gardner Fire Company #1Firefighters work through a hands-on basement fire and search-and-rescue evolution during the multi-agency training day, focusing on coordination and fundamentals.
Photo by Glen Gardner Fire Company #1An overhead view shows engines, tankers and support units positioned as crews rotate through six different live-fire training scenarios throughout the day.
Photo by Glen Gardner Fire Company #1Crews stack at a training structure for a coordinated entry during a live-burn evolution, simulating real-world fire attack and rescue operations under instructor supervision.
November 15, 2025 — Firefighters from across the region came together Saturday for a full day of hands-on training at the Hunterdon County Emergency Services Training Center (HCESTC) in Bethlehem Township, joining forces with mutual aid partners for advanced live-fire evolutions.
Crews assembled at 8 a.m. for a safety briefing and facility walkthrough before instructors ignited the first training fires. Over the course of the day, participants completed six separate evolutions, covering critical skills including interior fire attack, basement fire operations, and coordinated search and rescue. Instructors introduced unexpected “curveball” scenarios to challenge crews and reinforce real-world decision-making under pressure.
Participating agencies included: Hampton Fire Company Station 13, Bloomsbury Hose Company #1, Pattenburg Volunteer Fire Company Station 25 (Union Township, NJ), Franklin Township Fire & EMS, South Branch Emergency Services, Inc. and Pattenburg Rescue Squad Inc.
Approximately 50 volunteers gave up their Saturday to participate in the training. A special acknowledgment was also extended to the High Bridge Fire Department for covering dual alert responsibilities while crews were committed to training.
Organizers said the day was not only productive, but a valuable return to the fundamentals of fireground operations, teamwork, and life-saving skills. Fire officials encouraged anyone interested in community service to stop by their nearest fire station to learn more about joining the fire service.
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