Field Training Facilities at SCFA

There are thirteen (13) different facilities located at the Yaphank complex.

Because of the close proximity of each facility and the type of training conducted, we can only conduct four (4) training sessions per calendar date. This limitation serves to maintain safe conditions for all trainees.

Because of the variable climate, field training sessions can only be conducted during the period from April 1 through November 30.  Click an item on the list below to see a description of the facility:

• Class "A" Facility
• Flammable Liquids Firefighting
• Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LP Gas) Facility
• Maze Training Facility
• Multiple Story Firefighting (Tower) Facility
• Smokehouse Facility
• Tank Car
• Taxpayer
• Vehicle Extrication Facility
• Vehicle Fire Facility

Class "A" Facility

Prerequisite: Interior Firefighter

 

This training facility is designed to familiarize firefighters with the common problems encountered with suppression of fires in residential dwellings. The facility is two stories in height and includes a full basement with exterior access.

Ideal class size is 20-25 firefighters. Each department attending the training session must provide a class "A" pumping engine at minimum. A full compliment of tools, as prescribed by the NFPA, is also required.

The following types of training can be scheduled at this facility.

1. New Recruit Training Level:

   Training will familiarize the trainee with survival in a smoke and heat environment. Basic search, rescue, fire control & extinguishers are presented in this program. Fire ground considerations for dwelling type fires are thoroughly discussed.

   A controlled situation is established wherein a student utilizes SCBA, Ladders and Basic Forcible Entry tools, along with 1.5" or 1.75" hoselines. Typical first due engine company evolutions are discussed and reviewed.

    

2. Refresher Training:

   This training provides veteran firefighters with a mechanism to sharpen their firefighting skills in residential fire attack using basic theory and tools. The evolution will review the basic roles of each firefighter during a minimum response (single unit); search and rescue considerations and procedures; below grade basement fires; consideration of electrical systems and the aspects of proper ventilation and overhaul. The drill can also cover basic Engine & Truck company operations at dwelling fires.

    

3. Officers:

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Flammable Liquids Firefighting

This training session is made up of approximately a 45 minute lecture on the principles of foam application & equipment. The second part of the drill is hands-on, using the department’s foam equipment. The instructor will also cover the proper way to apply foam. Each department should supply their own training foam.

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Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LP Gas) Facility

This facility provides firefighters with knowledge about liquefied petroleum gas products and hardware to handle LP Gas emergencies. The training session commences with a lecture and demonstration of LP Gas properties and use. Typical storage, transportation and handling of product is presented. Extinguishment considerations along with various strategies and tactics are presented to the student. After the presentation, attendees demonstrate implementation of the concepts and principles discussed in the classroom at this field training facility. Both large and small caliber fire streams are used to effect control, containment and extinguishment.

Typical class size is 15-25 students.

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Maze Training Facility

The firefighter is presented with the unknown while wearing S.C.B.A. by eliminating the sense of sight to allow the thinking process to be utilized in order to find a way through the maze. This is a skill drill; working in the unknown of a strange structure while performing firefighting functions with the physical and psychological effects of the unknown on the firefighter.

The training sessions have nothing to do with use of S.C.B.A. search and rescue procedures, but is a great addition to it. A firefighter should be qualified to use S.C.B.A. before attempting this class. The levels of training available at the facility are: training requires that a firefighter traverse all 3 sections of this facility. This can be accomplished in 2 calendar dates. This training is a component of the "Advanced Breathing Apparatus" course. It must be completed prior to earning a certificate in the Advanced Breathing course.

Due to the nature of this training, preferred class size is 14 firefighters. Larger or smaller classes are not desirable.

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Multiple Story Firefighting (Tower) Facility

The tower facility lends itself to many different evolutions. It can provide combined evolutions for Engine and Truck company fireground operations for multiple story structures. Essentially, we train on the advancement of hoselines vertically – either by stairway or use of ground ladders. Standpipe operations can be conducted with emphasis on deployment of handlines from hosepaks; proper standpipe support and engine hookup. Should a department wish to utilize the tower for Aerial device practice, we cannot allow the use of heavy caliber fire stream devices to extinguish fires. This is due to limitations of the facility. Aerial devices can be used to practice proper positioning, mechanical operation of the device, as well as ascending and descending the device. If ladder or tower pipes are to be used, the streams will be directed away from the structure under the direction of the Instructor.

A class can be scheduled for Truck Company Operations (using your department’s aerial device) without fire. Topics to be covered would be placement, position and a review of truck company tactics.

Horizontal and vertical ventilation procedures and considerations are discussed at this training session. Proper search methods for multiple story buildings can also be covered.

Typical class size is 15-20 firefighters.

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Smokehouse Facility

The firefighter wearing SCBA will be expected to enter a hostile environment (smoke & heat) and systematically make their way through the structure while executing proper search procedures. Safety and teamwork are emphasized throughout this session. A sufficient number of SCBA units and spare cylinders must be provided by the attending department.

Preferred class size is 15-20 students.

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Tank Car

The purpose of this training session is to present the firefighting principles and procedures for bulk fuel storage, stationary (horizontal or cylindrical type) or mobile tanks. The material covered starts with the decision making process through overhaul.

Exposures, evacuation and placement of personnel and equipment are stressed. Fog patterns and solid stream cooling lines are utilized for extinguishment. This approach facilitates an understanding of nozzle selection and hose handling procedures.

Heavy caliber streams can be used for cooling purposes on a railroad tank car. Teamwork is stressed in the movement of handlines.

Running spill fires are also presented, along with the unique problems they pose.

Each department attending this training session must provide a pumping engine which carries a complement of 1 ½" or 1 ¾" hoselines, 2 ½" hoselines, training foam and variety of extinguishers.

Ideal class size is 15-20 firefighters. This training session begins in the classroom with an overview of flammable liquid type fires. It is recommended that a fire department schedule an "in station" training session on flammable liquids prior to scheduling this training session.

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Taxpayer

This facility is designed to duplicate commercial residential structures known as "taxpayers" in which ground level areas are operated as commercial entities and second story and higher areas are utilized for such purposes as offices and/or apartments. The facility is three stories high and contains a basement area. There are 53 compartments within this facility. At the uppermost level, either a penthouse or elevator motor room are simulated. The structure contains a working standpipe system, multiple roof vents, exterior permanent ladders, as well as an expansive flat roof area to practice operations above ground level. Entry to the basement area can be made via external or internal stairs.

Typical taxpayer fires require multi-company response; therefore, a much larger training group can be accommodated at this facility. A multi-unit response consisting of engine and truck company is expected at this training session. Class size varies depending on the number of pieces of apparatus brought to the session. Because of the duration of this

training session and variety of tasks that can be performed, 30-45 students can be accommodated.

In the event a department wants residential dwelling fires and the Class "A" facility is unavailable, the Taxpayer facility can be utilized for this type of training. It is designated as a Taxpayer/Class A drill.

Taxpayer for Officers: A specialized class in which only line officers participate. Each officer will fill the role of firefighter, while other officers are given the opportunity to command and supervise. Residential fire attack theory and operations will be covered. Officers will gain an understanding of their supervisory role on the fireground and experience the variety of problems that they may encounter during residential fire operations. Since this class is conducted only for officers, they will be provided the opportunity to openly discuss firefighting topics which they may be unfamiliar with, or need to refresh on.

Note: The Taxpayer is also a great evolution for use of and practice of your departments Rapid Intervention Team operation. If you wanted to train with your neighboring department, have them come to the drill with you

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Vehicle Extrication Facility

To provide firefighters with the proper use of typical extrication equipment commonly found on fire department apparatus. Material covered starts with proper nomenclature through maintenance. Safety in the use of this equipment is stressed. This is not a course in extrication; it is a skill drill whereby firefighters are provided the opportunity to handle equipment under supervision of an instructor.

Departments may furnish their own extrication equipment should they desire. Preferred class size is 8-12 firefighters. Larger classes will be given a demonstration of the equipment by Fire Academy Instructors due to safety factors and time limitations.

Typical equipment presented during this training session includes: hydraulic spreading and cutting equipment, portable-power, power saws, pressurized air-bags systems as well as basic hand tools used in vehicle extrication

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Vehicle Fire Facility

Firefighting procedures and actual extinguishment of motor vehicles will be conducted at this training session. The hazards of vehicle types and /or models are discussed for their specialized aspects.

Preferred class size is 15-20 students. A pumper is required along with sufficient SCBA for the attendees. It is recommended that the student attend fire station training class on "Vehicle Fires" prior to participating in this hands-on exercise.

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Photos on this page by Craig Jackson of In the Dark Photography