Did you know that the Stratford Fire Department has access to a mobile fire training facility, and among the training props inside is a couch made of steel?
As part of their regular training, local firefighters sharpen their skills at the state-of-the-art modular unit off Romeo Street, which simulates the working environment of a structure fire.
That means it can be used to simulate a kitchen fire, for example, or a living room blaze.
Props emit propane-fueled flames, there’s a theatrical smoke machine that limits visibility, and the walls inside can be reconfigured so that firefighters can’t memorize the path to a fire after each training session.
It’s a controlled environment that enables the Stratford Fire Department to train new firefighters on things like forcible entry, fire attack techniques, hose management, communications and situational awareness.
It also provides experienced firefighters with the opportunity to practice and hone fundamental skills and advanced firefighting techniques.