The Perry Volunteer Fire Department turned out in full force Saturday morning for a training exercise in Dawson, where the firefighters practiced search-and-rescue techniques in a controlled burn of the house at 109 S. First St.
After practicing in groups of two and three the search-and-rescue process in the smoke-filled house, the firefighters observed a simulated flashover, which occurs when the superheated gases in a structure ignite and fill the structure with flame. The phenomenon can inspire awe in civilians.
After the learning sessions, the Perry firefighters staged a controlled burn of the 900-square-foot, 129-year-old house, owned by Robert C. Muir of Dawson. As planned, the superstructure of the house ultimately fell into its own basement, and by 11:30 a.m., the building was destroyed.
Nature assisted the Perry Volunteer Fire Department, and heavy rains shortly after noon brought an end to the fire and the morning’s training.
Joining PVFD Fire Chief Chris Hinds at the training burn were firefighters from the Dawson and Perry stations, including Mike Heinz, Andy Smith, Kimberly Williams, Doug Harlan, Aimee Bane, Deanna Eiteman, Jennifer Lauer, Natalie Cerna, Chris James, Travis Murphy, Joel Heinz, Frank Eiteman, Ryan Scott, Pat Eastman, Matt Hix, Ronny Defenbaugh, Brian Eiteman, Jay Rice, Grason Hill, Dave Pillow, Dave Barkley and Rod Cromwell.
