Firefighters Test Skills in Training

Firefighters had their hands full at the scene of two car fires and a dumpster fire, but it was all part of a training exercise.

The Zanesville Fire Department put on a demonstration for new recruits to practice their skills.  Lieutenant Martin Mercer said the lesson is part of the state requirements.

"The hardest thing to teach them is to be calm and make good decisions under pressure," said Mercer.  "That’s what we’re doing here.  We’re simulating car fires and trying to make them more used to the situation for when they get out there for a real call."

Mike Busse is one of seven newly hired firefighters who attended the live burn.  He said it’s exciting to get experience outside of the classroom.

"It’s going great," said Busse.  "It’s the first time we’ve actually got to encounter a live fire.  It’s almost like practicing for a football game until you get to play.  Today we’re playing."

The training will conclude with an upcoming house fire drill at the Ohio Fire Academy.