ARAB, AL (WAFF) -
Training and practice are two things that help a fire department be its best in protecting your home when a fire breaks out.
That's exactly what they did Thursday in the Marshall County town of Arab.
There are not a lot of homes available to burn for practice, so for the first time in Marshall County, they were able to obtain a state owned simulator.
The city of Arab has secured one of two live fire simulators this week owned by the Alabama Fire College.
It allows simulation of different types of fires such as building, house, roof, and basement fires.
Chief Ricky Phillips said inside the simulator, temperatures can get as high as 1,000 degrees.
Plus, smoke can be injected into the simulator.
On Thursday, firefighters simulated a small bedroom fire where two crews took turns putting it out.
While many departments do not have the money for such a simulator, Phillips said this allows for the repetition necessary to hone their skills.
"We got a lot of good practical hands-on experience in fighting fire, practicing the different strategies and tactics we need to go in and protect somebody's property, rescue the person, and put their house out and save their valuables," said Phillips.
He said they hope to get some night simulation in Thursday night, followed by a final day of training on Friday.
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Arab secured a fire simulator from the Alabama Fire College to better train firefighters.
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