Wednesday October, 28 2026

Nature: Structural Fire Training Evolutions

Incident Location: Delaware State Fire School – Georgetown Campus

On Wednesday evening October 28^th, a cadre of volunteer firefighters and officers attended the Delaware State Fire School – Georgetown Campus to conduct monthly training scenarios to enhance the knowledge, skills and abilities of our fire company personnel.  Approximately 25 personnel were in attendance to complete these training evolutions which included:

• Stretching lines for fire suppression attack lines deployment focuses on speed, team coordination, accurate stretch estimates, and smooth nozzle management;

• Search and rescue (SAR) assignments on floors above the fire requires a focus on stairwell control, thermal management, heat/smoke behavior (mushrooming), and rapid orientation. Because heat and toxic gases rise, the floor immediately above the fire often becomes lethal or with zero-visibility first.

• Thermal Image Camera usage focuses on building scan discipline, image interpretation, and reliable decision-making under zero-visibility conditions.

• Ventilation techniques focus on controlling airflow, managing thermal layers, and coordinating roof or-door operations safely

Illustrated herewith are photographs highlighting the training exercises.

The Indian River Volunteer Fire Company would like to acknowledge the assistance of the Lewes (82) and Millsboro (83) fire companies for coordinating crews to cover Indian River’s district while these training evolutions were coordinated.