VIDEO: Fire crews cut through buildings and rubble in a training exercise to keep themselves ready for major disasters.
On Thursday, the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire held a live demonstration of urban search and rescue drills along Peiffer Street. The demonstration occurred at several intentionally demolished buildings to simulate real-world building collapses.
“This is as real as you can get,” said Chief Brian Enterline of the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire.
In total, 47 fire personnel and K-9 rescue crews participated in the demonstration. Enterline said the exercise allowed first responders to take the skills they learn in the classroom and apply it to real world scenarios.
โClassroom training gives you the book smarts to [rescue operations],” said Enterline. “But you got to be able to put those boots on the street and be able to physically understand how these buildings are put together and fall apart.”
Captain Chris Wertz with the Manheim Township Fire Department said his team practiced building support shores to keep a row home from collapsing.
