Live Fire and Smoke Training: What You Need to Know

What Is Live Fire Training?

Live fire training involves trainers creating a contained live fire for the sole purpose of training firefighters. While classroom settings can provide a wealth of information to these individuals, real skills are learned through hands-on simulation environments. 

Keep in mind the trainers control and monitor the live fire, but the nature of the fire itself is uncontrollable. Trainees must use fast problem-solving skills to navigate through this portion of the training. 

As they navigate through the fire, they'll also need to remain calm. The more overwhelmed they become from smoke and high heat, the longer it takes for them to rescue individuals trapped in the fire.

Focused fire training keeps the community safe. 

How Is the Simulation Created?

Fire safety training is often conducted in a 'burn building'. They're often buildings that have either been created to be burned or buildings in the community that were close to being torn down. 

There are several additional steps trainers take to ensure a challenging training simulation. In fact, the training fires may be more intense than fires the firefighters would encounter while on the job. 

Trainers work to make the burn building as vent-free as possible. Keeping the environment air-tight allows for a greater build-up of smoke and heat.

This type of training also involves smoke curtains and training smoke machines. Using smoke machines presents opportunities to discuss the flow path of air and smoke with the trainees. 

This may seem like a cruel type of torture for those stumbling across this guide. However, it's crucial your community's future firefighters are put to the test. Challenging situations solidify what they learn in training. 

Preparing for Live Fire Training

Trainees go through extensive fire department training before jumping into live fire situations. This is to help keep the individuals and entire team safe.

They receive training on how to use their equipment and safety gear, including what to do if gear becomes damaged during a mission. Educators also teach them how to operate within unstable environments and how to complete a mission alone or with a team.

Not only are they learning new information but trainees also undergo intense physical training. Their bodies must be at peak performance levels to be able to lift heavy objects, climb ladders, and move quickly. 

Right before a live fire training session, trainees will dress in their turnout gear. This gear can withstand extreme temperatures and includes a special breathing apparatus. 

Informing Trainees

If you're conducting live fire and smoke training, take time beforehand to inform the trainees of the expectations. Clearly outline their mission, and provide a walk-through of the burn building prior to training. 

A walk-through gives the trainees the opportunity to plan their route. While they wouldn't receive this opportunity in the real world, planning ahead ensures the safety and success of the trainees during a live fire. 

Trainers should also guarantee all trainees are in top mental and physical health before training. Trainees must understand how the incident command system operates and what to do in the case of injury during training. 

Because firefighters have died in past training simulations, it's crucial trainers guarantee a quick way out for trainees in case something goes wrong. 

Following NFPA 1403

NFPA 1403 outlines what's required during fire training to avoid tragic fatalities and serious injuries. 

Many trainers have disliked some of the strict standards presented by this document, but keeping trainees safe and alive is the trainer's top priority. It's better for a firefighter to fail their first round of training than to suffer from a serious injury.

If you're a trainer, read through this document to guarantee your upcoming live fire training meets all necessary standards. This keeps your trainees safe and takes the liability off of your plate. 

Purchasing Training Equipment

When buying smoke machines and curtains for training, buy only from trusted suppliers. Guarantee these suppliers have years of experience in providing equipment for training. 

Test out your smoke machines before training to avoid malfunction during live fire situations. Contact the vendor's customer support if you believe you've received a faulty product. 

Not only will a faulty product lower the quality of the training simulation, but it also presents potential safety issues. 

Preparing Heros: Live Fire and Smoke Training

Firefighters undergo extensive training to keep the community safe. Part of their training includes live fire and smoke training- a realistic simulation strengthening their problem-solving skills. 

Setting up a burn building for this type of training takes a skilled eye and an experienced trainer. They'll need high-quality training equipment, such as smoke machines, and they must follow all guidelines presented by NFPA 1403.

If you're a trainer in the need of a smoke machine, check out our products. We use reliable technology that you can trust during an intense fire and smoke training. Contact us today with any questions.