Israeli Fire Fighters Conduct Live Drills

This post is also available in: עברית (Hebrew)

The Fire Fighting Authority in Israel is conducting a series of live drills in the Judea and Samaria District, focusing on putting out building fires and rescuing trapped residents.

One live drill took place a few days ago in Modi’in Illit. As part of the drill a crew comprised of fire fighters and volunteers entered a burning building – which was, in fact, burning. The fire fighters practiced rescue, handling large amounts of smoke and dealing with the source of the flames.

Asaf Abars, district spokesman, told iHLS that the district conducts an annual training program based on a series of goals. Every fire fighting station goes through the drills according to the plan, which is a part of the formal training process.

IHLS – Israel Homeland Security

This time the scenario included a burning building, with people probably trapped inside. The operation included breaking into the building, locating the source of the flames, handling the smoke coming in through the roof, rescuing casualties and extinguishing the fire. More than just operational capabilities are tested: Coordination and communication between teams; handling the high temperatures and thick smoke; and ladder climbing, all in real time, are reviewed. Before the building is lit the teams conduct a “dry” run, with no fires burning.

Abars added that all district stations conduct these drills in rounds, and that the Judea and Samaria District is the largest in Israel.