Rockland County’s volunteer firefighters will soon benefit from new high-tech training equipment designed to help them safely respond to life-threatening fire conditions.
The County Legislature unanimously approved $104,000 for the purchase of flashover and backdraft simulators, which will be installed at the Rockland County Fire Training Center. The simulators will provide realistic training scenarios to help firefighters identify and react to two of the most dangerous fire phenomena.
“These simulators will better prepare our volunteers for the extreme conditions they face,” said Public Safety Committee Chairman Paul Cleary. “We are committed to giving them the tools to stay safe while protecting our communities.”
Flashovers occur when an entire room erupts in flames due to extreme heat, while backdrafts involve explosive ignition caused by the sudden introduction of oxygen into a confined, superheated space.
The new equipment replaces older units that have deteriorated from heavy use. The purchase is part of a broader investment in the county’s fire training infrastructure, which has seen more than $20 million allocated in recent years, including $9 million for a new Burn Building.
Director of Fire & Emergency Services Chris Kear emphasized the importance of realistic training. “These conditions are often not survivable if a firefighter isn’t properly trained to recognize the warning signs.”
Legislator Cleary concluded by thanking Rockland’s volunteer firefighters for their ongoing service and sacrifice.