09/16/2026
Over the past week, Fire Training Associates staff spent their time at the Miramichi Fire Training Grounds prepping for and then delivering a Search Under Live Fire Class.
The prep work started Thursday, September 10th, and included building walls, doors, and moving in furniture to allow firefighters to enter and search in real-world conditions. A large metal wall had to be cut and removed from two of the sea containers to allow for another room to be built. A crib and multiple beds were also put together to allow for realistic and different types of beds to cover. With there also being the odds and ends to complete this work, it took the crew until Friday evening.
Friday evening also brought lectures that were put on by many great speakers, motivators, and leaders, two of whom were our own.
Chris Colford lectured “Fire Ground Reality - Training For Real World Operations,” which covered training for real-world success and how investing in our members early on can pay off both on and off the fire ground.
Andrew Wainwright lectured “The Short Staffed Rural Engine Company.”
Saturday brought a full day of Search. Implementing the crawl, walk, run technique, firefighters started the morning off by covering search theory, tools, technique, body positioning, considerations, searching off the line, window-based (VES), and door-based.
As the morning went on, we transitioned into sets and reps, allowing firefighters to fine-tune their skills and apply what was taught in clean rooms, allowing them to build that muscle memory needed to be successful when crossing the threshold.
The afternoon brought roughly 4 hours of searching for victims through heat and smoke, putting the firefighters to the test, allowing them to use their knowledge and skill sets, successfully rescuing 100+ "unconscious victims" using multiple different types of removal methods, such as from a window onto a ground ladder, off of beds, couches, and when located deep into the structure.
By the numbers:
Search reps under fire conditions: 50
Students: 25
Staff: 18
This class brought out 25 firefighters with a true passion for this profession. The ones who seek beyond the textbook training, who want to make a true impact in their firehouse and on the fire ground. Showing up, putting in the work, and a drive for wanting to get better is what is going to save lives on the fire ground, not sitting back and watching / critiquing the ones doing it.
This day was nothing short of what we hoped for, and we can't wait for next year.
Huge thank you to Codiac Response for spending the day on the training grounds, capturing what was accomplished by both the students and the instructors on a great day of training. Codiac Response are two very professional and extremely talented photojournalist who find them selves in the perfect position to not only capture the hard work, risks and challenges we faces but also the brother/sister hood, camaraderie, and commitment this line of work takes as well.
