Firefighters from across the region gained rare live-fire experience during an acquired structure burn off DeHart Cove Road in Bryson City on June 23.
Southwestern Community College led the training in collaboration with the Bryson City Fire Department, giving volunteer and paid firefighters the chance to practice inside a burning home under controlled conditions. Firefighters from BCFD, West Swain, Qualla, Alarka, Franklin Fire Rescue and EBCI Cherokee Fire and Rescue participated.
Swain County EMS checked vitals and remained on site throughout the training.
BCFD Chief Charles Bryson said the home had previously burned and was later approved for training use. The structure was a single-story residence with an attached two-car garage.
“It gave real-world experience in a controlled environment,” Bryson said.
Six teams entered the structure during the live-burn exercise, with 33 participants registered through SCC.
“Overall, it went well,” Bryson said. “There were no injuries and no major issues. It went as best as it possibly could according to instructions. We don’t get this opportunity very often.”
Bryson said the training gave firefighters multiple chances to enter the structure and practice skills they cannot easily replicate in routine drills.
“It was a great benefit because we were able to get as many opportunities as possible to go in,” he said.
In addition to live-fire training, firefighters used the structure for ventilation and ladder training.
“Not every structure is suitable,” Bryson said.
Live burns require extensive preparation, including property owner approval, safety planning, environmental review, water supply planning and compliance with state and national fire training standards.
Bryson said departments worked together to ensure the scene had the water and resources needed for the exercise.
“Overall training went well with involvement from all automatic aid departments,” he said. “Together we supplied water and everything we needed on scene.”
Bryson said the training required 8,500 gallons of water on scene. Firefighters used a little more than 5,000 gallons.
Bryson thanked SCC, Alarka Fire Department, West Swain Fire Department, Qualla Fire & Rescue, Swain County EMS, SCC instructors and others who helped make the training possible.