Idaho Falls Fire Department high rise fire drill

The Idaho Falls Fire Department was hard at work today practicing drills, to stay prepared in case an emergency were to happen.

The fire crew went over to the Quality Inn & Suites, where they simulated high rise fire fighting operations.

The department practiced interior and exterior operations, using their ladder truck.

Firefighters had to climb up stair wells, hook up hoses and stretch it to a room that was on fire.

And the reason they do it? Battalion chief, Lance Johnson, says training is key to be a professional firefighter.

“Typically you’ll respond to a real emergency like you train,” Johnson said. “So its important for us to come out and take scenarios like this and practice and train so when the real comes in were ready.”

The crew also brushed up on victim rescues outside on the balcony’s and rooftops.

The fire department practices simulations like this regularly, doing exercises on different topics. They perform this drill about once a year.

Chief Johnson says that this is probably one of the most physically demanding parts of the job. Some of the hose’s they carry up the stairwell are about 30 to 40 pounds.