Scene of Española firefighters training under real-world conditions by cutting up a house scheduled for demolition. Courtesy/City of Española
Scene of Española firefighters training under real-world conditions by cutting up a house scheduled for demolition. Courtesy/City of Española
Scene of Española firefighters training under real-world conditions by cutting up a house scheduled for demolition. Courtesy/City of Española
CITY OF ESPAÑOLA
City of Española firefighters were given a rare opportunity to train under real-world conditions by cutting up a house scheduled for demolition. The City purchased the house as part of the reconstruction of the Wise/La Joya Fire Station on the city’s east side. The house is scheduled to be torn down to make way for an expanded parking area.
“I’m very proud of how hard our firefighters work to maintain their training,” Mayor John Ramon Vigil said, “it was their idea to use the house to get hands-on practice. The lieutenants and senior firefighters wanted the rookies to see what it’s actually like to cut through a roof and through walls.”
The training included ventilating through the roof to get smoke out for easier visibility, simulating a quick extrication of a fallen firefighter, and self-extricating though a wall breach.
The fire station rebuild is being funded with capital outlay funds and money from northern New Mexico legislators. The construction is expected to be completed in October. “We are looking forward to having the ribbon cutting ceremony soon,” Vigil added.
For more information contact Assistant Fire Chief John Wickersham at 505.747.6180.
Scene of Española firefighters training under real-world conditions by cutting up a house scheduled for demolition. Courtesy/City of Española
Scene of Española firefighters training under real-world conditions by cutting up a house scheduled for demolition. Courtesy/City of Española
