FORT WORTH, Texas (March 6, 2015) – Tarrant County College’s Fire Service Training Center will simulate the aftermath of a tornado as an exercise for area fire departments March 16-18. The training is designed to test firefighters’ ability to respond to structural collapses as well as promote regional integration and cooperation.
The exercise will mimic a full-scale search and rescue operation following a massive tornado. Participating first responders represent Fort Worth, Arlington, the Northeast Fire Department Association (including Grapevine, Hurst, Bedford, Euless and other cities), Carrollton, Plano and Irving. TCC Fire Service Training Center staff will set up concrete slabs to replicate collapsed walls and use salvaged cars to represent vehicles thrown by the storm.
Firefighters from different departments will work together to navigate the debris, reinforce damaged structures and safely remove mock victims. Different fire departments will participate each day.
“This really is a first-of-its-kind exercise for North Texas fire departments,” said Rodney Smith, program coordinator for the TCC Fire Service Training Center. “Our region has many fire and rescue resources but not a lot of experience in collaboration. This training will help prepare firefighters for a worst-case scenario requiring an integrated response.”
The exercise is a follow up to homeland security training for police and firefighters conducted at different sites across the area, including TCC, last year.
