Local Landcape Supply donates his building to fire training drill

Ray's Landscape Supply in Research Drive is knocking down his building in order to re utilize his property better for the material storage they sell. This local business made a wonderful decision to help provide a soon to be demolished structure as a training tool for the Belltown Volunteer Fire Department on Tuesday night, where forcible entry drills; that is opening doors, challenging locks and hinges were demonstrated under the watchful eyes of State of CT Certified Instructors and Belltown's Officers. Following the Forcible Entry drill a full blown smoke situation was created to give the firefighters a real experience under very controlled conditions.  Belltown firefighters were broken into engine and truck crews and wearing full protective gear and self contained breathing apparatus practiced search and rescue evolutions and hose work inside the concrete structure. Many citizens stopped what they were doing to watch the large group of men and women firefighters fight the mock fire.

It is not often an opportunity like this is made available for fire departments to practice under real smoke and heat conditions,  and we thank Ray's Landscape Supply for the opportunity to allow us the practice. In addition the drill was followed this evening (Wednesday night) by a multi-departmental drill where Belltown invited both the Glenbrook and Stamford Fire and Rescue Depts. to participate in Forcible entry and Search & Rescue Drills.  Companies from each department worked together improving their skills and ultimately through this experience are helping to gain more experience working together and making Stamford safer.