The Buxton Volunteer Fire Department hosted a live fire-training event in an acquired structure on Sunday, Nov. 22.

The house, located on Highway 12 next to Napa Auto Parts, was previously scheduled for demolition by the owner and was donated to the fire department for training purposes.

Under the leadership of Buxton Fire Chief Bryan Perry, members from Buxton, Frisco, Hatteras, Avon, and Rodanthe turned out nearly 50 personnel.

Firefighter Jeffrey Del Monte, who is one of two state certified instructors in the Buxton department (the other is Clyde Stowe), said departments started setting up at 7:30 a.m. They were mostly cleaned up by 7 p.m. but had to watch the site until midnight.

During the day, he said, 12 interior fire attack scenarios were played out.  During these drills, fires are set in various sites in the house, such as the kitchen, and a team of firefighters is sent in to extinguish the blaze.

“This is an invaluable tool in testing firefighters’ skills in the most realistic training scenario possible,” Del Monte said.

He added that all training was conducted in compliance with national live fire training standards.

For the grand finale, crews were placed into defensive positions to protect the surrounding residences and to keep a close watch as the training site was brought to the ground in a controlled manner.

The house was fully engulfed by about 2:15 p.m., and the fire was brought under control by 4:30.

“The day was a huge success and gave departments a chance to work together, being as how we all depend on each other for mutual aid for incidents in our respective towns,” said Del Monte.
 
All fire and rescue services on Hatteras Island, with the exception of Dare County Emergency Medical Services, are handled proudly by all-volunteer organizations.

This is a good time of year to thank the volunteers who protect your community and to think about joining them.

“An invite goes out to people in every town,” Del Monte said. “If you feel like a challenge and are highly motivated, then reach out to your local Fire Department. Our doors are always open to new members.”

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