Nevada Fire Department hosts live fire training

Area firefighters prepare to advance hoselines onto a residential LP tank prop provided by MUFRTI. For more photos, see Page 3. --submitted photo

The Nevada Fire Department welcomed the University of Missouri Fire Rescue Training Institute Saturday, May 2, when MUFRTI, in partnership with the Missouri Propane Education and Research Council, presented "Handling Liquid Propane Emergencies" to six area agencies, including Compton Junction, Milo, Nevada, and Sheldon fire departments.

LP gas is a potential hazard present in most communities. A complete understanding of LP gas and its hazards is necessary in order to safely and efficiently handle such an incident.

The 12-hour presentation included instruction on common storage containers in use, as well as the components of different types of transport vehicles. The class concluded with an actual fire attack on an LP tank fire, simulated and controlled by instructors.

Nevada Fire Chief Robert Benn said, "We would like to thank Nevada R-5 Schools for providing the parking lot of the Bowman Building 2015 N. West St. to conduct the live fire training. The hard surface allowed quality training to take place despite the recent wet weather."

Tall flames simulate the activation of pressure relief devices as students practice cooling the LP tank. --Photos by Christy Weber and Julie McGraw

Benn also noted that, "The Nevada Parks and Recreation Department provided the new shelter at Marmaduke Park for our use, allowing the classroom and the drill area to be in good proximity." Finally, MFA Propane provided the 500 gallons of liquid propane needed for this class, and we thank them."

Fire teams hold back the flames to allow the team leader to safely shut down the fuel supply to the fire.