Firefighters practice in downtown setting

Sussex — Fire truck fans in Sussex Borough got a real treat Sunday morning when a training exercise closed Main Street for two hours. Approximately 60 firefighters and six trucks descended on Main Street. “This will present the challenges of operating in a city environment,” explained William Butler, chief from Greenville, N.Y., who briefed the group before the hands-on program began. That’s when firefighters positioned the trucks in front of various buildings keeping an eye out for overhead wires and obstructions — all considerations in dealing with urban settings. “Sometimes shorter is better in selecting aerial apparatus,” said Butler. “A tall ladder requires more clear area in front of a building. That clear space may not be available in a built-up area.” Sparta Fire Department set its tower ladder behind the Chase bank while Sussex Fire Department set its ladder at the intersection of Newton and Main streets. Firefighters from Washington, Vernon and Greenville set up their apparatus along Main Street. Butler discussed the challenges and hazards that each department faced in the different surroundings. “Thinking about the placement of the apparatus can make the difference in effective ladder operations,” said Butler. Hopatcong Fire Department set up so the pivot of its ladder was located over the sidewalk. In a sequence of careful maneuvers firefighters positioned the ladder under utility wires and down an alley between two buildings. The ladder was able to reach all the windows on two sides of the buildings from the one position. After the downtown practice, the group moved on. “Our next two stops are at a townhouse complex and a large private residence,” said Butler. “Operations at rural and new construction sites pose different challenges.”

“This weekend’s training is part of an ongoing education program.” Joseph Inga, Sussex County Fire Marshall and Fire Coordinator.