In the State of Connecticut a firefighter must undergo 160 hours of training prior to becoming certified as Firefighter I. This is a process that takes several months, and a great deal of hard work. In addition to the 160 hours of classroom learning there are also 3 other phases that must be completed: a live burn practical, a practical skills evaluation, and a written exam.

During the live burn some of the skills practiced include hose advancement, water flow, rescue operations, ladder operations and Rapid Intervention Team training. Each of these are critical skills to be practiced and perfected in order for a firefighter to be permitted to take the practical skills test, and later the written exam. It is one thing to ask a person to wear their gear and perform these evolutions in a darkened room at the Firehouse, but it is a whole other experience to perform these actions in a smoke filled environment with high temperatures and a real fire.

This class was instructed by Chief Paul Perrotti, and was attended by firefighters from several towns, including Middlebury, Bantam, Southbury, Washington, Thomaston, Woodbury and Prospect. The live burn was held at Wolcott Fire School in a specially constructed fire proof building. Although there was some snow on the ground and frigid temperatures, the training continued because structure fires and other emergencies do not always happen in good weather.

	2nd Deputy Chief Kevin Dawes and Firefighter Ray Kasidas setup Engine 6 to flow water from the water hole. Multiple lines are laid out for the various evolutions, a primary attack line, a secondary attack line and a backup line. Also used is a small portable pump, which can pump at a maximum of 750 gpm.
	Lieutenant Tony Bruno, 1st Deputy Chief Brett Kales and Firefighter John Polman Jr. discuss the evolutions to be performed in the burn building.

A closeup view of what the fire looks like in a smoke filled environment. This was one of the first fires set during the course of the day.
A view of the inside of the burn building. Through the smoke a firefighter can just barely be seen, along with a slight glow of the fire to the right.

	A hose that is being advanced down into the basement by one of the attack teams.
	The last fire set for the day has traditionally been the biggest and the hottest. This fire was made with 9 pallets, and is starting to bank across the ceiling.

Chief Perrotti looks in the door to ensure that everything is okay inside the structure.
Middlebury Firefighter Dave Shaban in front of the fire.

	Firefighter Ed Cavallaro (in the window) passes a pack of hoses to John Polmon Jr. (on the ladder) which was used to simulate a victim.
	Ed Cavallaro coming out of the window onto the ladder after passing the "victim" to another firefighter.

An exterior view of the burn building showing the heavy smoke coming from the windows and the roof.
A class picture upon completion of the live burn scenario.

	Lt. Tony Bruno, Firefighter John Polmon Jr., Firefighter Mike Dayton, and Firefighter Ed Cavallaro pose while they clean the inside of the burn building.
	Engine 2 was used at the burn for additional air packs, hose, and appliances, and to augment the water supply.

Story and Photos By Firefighter Jon Vaughan and Lt. Tony Bruno - Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department - All Rights Reserved.