2009-09-03 / News
Ready... set fire... go
 The Staples Fire Department held a practice burn Aug. 27 about seven miles southeast of Staples. Staples firemen hosted the Motley Fire Department and the Verndale Fire Department. Five guest instructors from around the state rotated teams of 10 - one group of five entering the burning farmhouse and one team of five outside as backup. "There are a few here tonight that have never entered a burning building," said Staples Fire Chief Scott Braith. About 50 firefighters participated in the instruction and were at the site until around 9:30 p.m. Above: Staples firefighter Todd Hoemberg, left, measures the heat of the fire both outside and inside (1,376 degrees) around 8:30 p.m. along with Verndale's fire chief. Below: Staples firefighters, left, and a Verndale firefighter prepare to enter the burning structure one more time. One of the practice focuses was on venting the gases with the water hose once inside the building. (Staples World photos by Janice Winter)   |
