Idaho Falls Fire Department burns down home to train new firefighters

The Idaho Falls Fire Department recruits conducted a controlled house fire Tuesday.

A home was donated to the recruits so they can practice fire drills and get hands on experience.

Twelve recruits worked together as a team to search the home for a dummy that was made out of fire hose.

James Baird, one of the recruits, said, “We boarded the windows to build the heat. We only burn class A fuel so wood, straw and nothing that is plastic.”

“Drills that we do and the way we perform our rescues and we are able to add fire to it and see how our teams work well together,” Baird said.

Four firefighters use a Go Pro camera that is mounted to their helmet to shoot video of the inside of the house.

Recruit Shane Brown said,”It’s gets to show us our progression through the academy our learning progress.”

Fire Chief Dave Hanneman said drills help better prepare firefighters.

“Allows us to practice with our engines and water tenders. And we try to do it in a very safe manner so we are better prepared when a real fire occurs.”

A swearing in ceremony will be held March 10th for the new firefighters.