To increase knowledge and preparedness concerning the marine environment and vessel firefighter techniques and procedures, Portland firefighters from Stations 8, 17, and 24 have been taking part in a multi-company shipboard fire drill. 

The drill was designed by Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) Training Lieutenant Chris for these firefighters who could potentially be called upon to provide shipboard firefighting services.

Using a practical hands-on approach, firefighters participated in different scenarios where fire started in the engine room of a vessel. 

Firefighters practiced establishing water supplies and ladder fire escapes, and demonstrated proper hose practices, radio operation, safety practices, and search techniques.

Training Lieutenant Chris Barney noted that, “Strategies and tactics that Portland Fire uses to attack a fire aboard a vessel are similar in many ways to those we use when we attack structure fires.” Barney went onto say, “With that said though, there are several unique aspects of marine firefighting that warrant special attention because of the diverse environment encountered aboard a vessel.”

Each training session included controlled simulation practices as well as demonstrations and debriefs by Portland Fire’s Training & Safety staff.

Photos courtesy of Paul Cone, City of Portland Bureau of Transportation. Additional photos of the shipboard firefighting drill will be posted on PF&R's Facebook page.

   Portland Fire & Rescue 

   We Respond: Always Ready, Always There

   August 2, 2011

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