Bernardsville Fire Fighters Use House Set For Demolition To Train

BERNARDSVILLE, NJ — The smoke set the scene for a real-life fire emergency, and firefighters from towns around joined together to put out the "flames."

Members of the Bernardsville Fire Department were invited to train along with other fire departments, in an event hosted by the Brookside Engine Company, Monday night.

"With the majority of fire departments in New Jersey being all volunteer, it is very common for one town or department to call and count on other neighboring towns to help at a larger incident or emergency," the Bernardsville Fire Company wrote on social media. "Training together is one key to continuous improvement."

During the drill, firefighters practiced search and rescue techniques, along with advancing hose lines and simulated fire attacks.

To make it more realistic, theatrical smoke was used to fill the house.

The department is asking anyone who is planning to tear down a structure to consider letting it be used for practice before.

Also last night, the Far Hills-Bedminster Fire Department joined the Middlesex Fire Academy and the Martinsville Volunteer Fire Department for a training exercise.