The Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD) turned a chilly February morning into a swelter as it incinerated a donated structure as part of its live fire training for its current class of recruits. The conflagration quickly reduced the wood and stone structure, located at 6825 Robin Dr., to ashes and rubble and gave the CFD’s 35 trainees an opportunity to receive hands-on experience.
“This is as realistic as you can get and still have a reasonable margin of safety,” said Bruce Garner, the CFD’s public information officer.
Live fire training is part of a rigorous six-month program at the CFD that also includes physical fitness, EMT medical training, vehicle extrication and handling hazardous materials, among other skills. The recruits who make it to April 13 will graduate and be immediately assigned to a station, where they will be responsible for aiding the residents of Chattanooga and safeguarding their property.