Radford University
Targeted News Service
RADFORD, Va. — Two buildings that have served more than 25 years as homes for RU students served a different purpose last week when the structures were the site of a fire training exercise by the Radford City Fire Department.
The three-story apartments on Howe Street will soon be demolished as site preparation work is under way for the new College of Business and Economics (COBE) building. Located on the south edge of the RU campus, the new 110,000-square-foot home for COBE is scheduled to be completed in fall 2012.
Last week, the apartment buildings were battered, shattered, and cut up as the firefighters drilled to sharpen elements of their rescue and fire suppression skills.
“This was tremendous opportunity for us to train and work in large buildings,” said Fire Chief Lee Simpkins. “We really appreciate Radford University’s sharing them with us, and we are better prepared as a result of the opportunity.”
Simpkins’ 33-man department was out in force for the drill as were four of its engines, including its new platform truck which was used to practice “vertical venting,” or cutting holes, in the roof of 704 Howe Street to permit the escape of flames and hazardous gases, an important first step in preparing a burning building for the entrance of firefighters.
Across the parking lot, the firefighters used the apartments of 705 Howe Street to practice their search and rescue techniques and teamwork. Several apartments were filled with theatrical smoke and teams of fully-equipped firefighters entered the apartments to simulate suppressing a fire after rescuing a dummy trapped in the room.
“This was a great chance to work in buildings that are very similar to ones near campus in which we would have to work for real should an incident happen,” said Assistant Fire Chief Rodney Haywood, who organized the training exercise. “And our firefighters are excited about the chance to practice and improve.”
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