Dense Fog ADVISORY in effect for:
Northern Litchfield, CT
Westport firefighters train in home slated for demolition
Posted: Updated:The Westport Fire Department got one final use out of an abandoned house on Bulkely Avenue North Tuesday, utilizing the space to train and test out new equipment.
Officials say abandoned buildings provide real-world conditions and context that add another dimension to training exercises.
"We get used to the layout of the buildings that we're in at our fire stations,” says Assistant Fire Chief Brett Kirby. “When we come to some of these houses slated for demolition it's a house we've never been in before. It's a greater challenge for the guys, throws a couple extra quirks in for them, so it's a good training opportunity for everybody."
He says that the home is especially helpful in training because it has multiple levels, which allows the firefighters to practice extraction from the basement as well as upper levels.
The team of firefighters were also able to test out a new piece of equipment called an RIT board, designed to help quickly and safely remove downed firefighters from harm’s way.
Kirby says firefighters were required to go inside the home, locate the downed firefighter and extract them from the building using the board.
He says that they hope to purchase the RIT board in the future if it proves to be effective.
News 12 is told that Westport firefighters will be training at the home all week.
Connecticut Top StoriesTop StoriesMore>>
Chance for snow Wednesday threatens morning commute
Chance for snow Wednesday threatens morning commute
A system packing a wintry mix and then heavy snow could make for a treacherous morning commute Wednesday, News 12 meteorologists say.A system packing a wintry mix and then heavy snow could make for a treacherous morning commute Wednesday, News 12 meteorologists say.World Anti-Doping Agency imposes 4-year ban on Russia
World Anti-Doping Agency imposes 4-year ban on Russia
The Russian flag and national anthem were banned from next year's Tokyo Olympics and other major sports events for four years on Monday.The Russian flag and national anthem were banned from next year's Tokyo Olympics and other major sports events for four years on Monday.18-year-old killed in Bridgeport shooting
18-year-old killed in Bridgeport shooting
An 18-year-old boy was fatally shot in Bridgeport, police say.An 18-year-old boy was fatally shot in Bridgeport, police say.AED donated by Connecticut not-for-profit saves man's life
AED donated by Connecticut not-for-profit saves man's life
A man is crediting an automated external defibrillator donated by a Connecticut not-for-profit for saving his life when he was going into cardiac arrest.A man is crediting an automated external defibrillator donated by a Connecticut not-for-profit for saving his life when he was going into cardiac arrest.Stamford middle school closed due to water leak
Stamford middle school closed due to water leak
Dolan Middle School in Stamford will be closed today because of flooding.Dolan Middle School in Stamford will be closed today because of flooding.
Connecticut SlideshowsGalleriesMore>>
Your Connecticut 2019 Holiday Photos
Your Connecticut 2019 Holiday Photos
From sparking holiday lights to fun Santa photos, News 12 wants to see your holiday photos!From sparking holiday lights to fun Santa photos, News 12 wants to see your holiday photos!2019 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
2019 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
The 87th annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019 in New York.The 87th annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019 in New York.Your December 2019 Storm Photos
Your December 2019 Storm Photos
Do you have photos of the winter storm from the December 2019 storm? We want to see!Do you have photos of the winter storm from the December 2019 storm? We want to see!Mohegan Sun performer lineup
Mohegan Sun performer lineup
The Mohegan Sun Arena performer lineup includes live music, entertainment, top headlining concerts and premier sporting events in Connecticut.The Mohegan Sun Arena performer lineup includes live music, entertainment, top headlining concerts and premier sporting events in Connecticut.Your 2019 Thanksgiving Table Photos
Your 2019 Thanksgiving Table Photos
Does your family prepare a delicious Thanksgiving spread? News 12 wants to see photos of your beautiful table!
Does your family prepare a delicious Thanksgiving spread? News 12 wants to see photos of your beautiful table!
Does your family prepare a delicious Thanksgiving spread? News 12 wants to see photos of your beautiful table!Does your family prepare a delicious Thanksgiving spread? News 12 wants to see photos of your beautiful table!