WASHINGTON, D.C. — Deputy United States Fire Administrator Charlie Dickinson is pleased to announce a new command and control, online simulation for emergency responders involving a townhouse fire. The Q325 Townhouse simulation presents the user with a set of complex fire and rescue problems which can be found commonly in a townhouse, row house, garden apartment, or condominium response. Upon successful completion of this online simulation course, the user will be able to recognize the fire and rescue issues related to this type of occupancy.

"This simulation is designed to help command officials better understand the problems that may encounter when responding to these kinds of occupancies," said Dickinson. "This course will better prepare the firefighters and command officers facing the challenges present when dealing with these types of fires."

Course objectives include safe removal of all occupants and containment and control of fire in the building of origin. National Fire Academy/United States Fire Administration certification will be granted upon successful completion of the course evaluations.

The course can be found on USFA's Virtual Campus at: http://www.training.fema.gov. The USFA has many other training programs, both online and classroom-based, that are designed to assist emergency responders in becoming better prepared for all types of emergencies. Information on these training programs and other USFA initiatives and publications can be found at www.usfa.fema.gov.