New Faux Roof Helps Firefighters Better Prepare

The East Hampton Fire Department added a new tool for firefighters on the South Fork to use in training.

A new, custom built faux roof structure at the East Hampton Town Fire Districts Training Facility in Wainscott allows firefighters to practice roof operations, such as ventilation, without the dangers of actually working atop a real roof.

The new structure went into operation on Wednesday when it was used by the East Hampton Hook & Ladder Company #1, which practiced safe roof ventilation techniques using a chain saw.

East Hampton Fire Department Chief Tom Bono said the addition to the training facility can be used over and over again. "You can cut the roof and then pop a piece of plywood back in for the next guy," he said.

It also gives firefighters from the ladder company a chance to train in a way they only have been able to when a house is donated for a controlled burn — which he said is few and far between.

He credited Mike Forst, the lieutenant in Company #1, with coming up with the idea and seeking the approval of the training center's committee, which is made up of representatives from each of the six districts.

Forst said it is of the utmost importance that firefighters practice venting roofs, one of the most important jobs at structure fires.

"The thing about venting is it keeps everybody safe," Forst said. The hotter it gets inside during a fire, the more risk there is for a "flashover," during which the entire room ignites. "By venting the roof, you're letting all the gases out. Interior firefighters are able to make a safer attack and it's not as brutal for them."

The faux-roof is versatile and allows volunteers to train on two of the types of roofs they most encounter. One side has a walkable pitch, and the other is a steep-pitch roof. New firefighters can build up their confidence, while having seasoned firefighters nearby — since the roof is low to the ground — to talk them through the steps. There are also different types of cutouts they can practice.

"I think it will make everybody train more," Forst said. The inaugural training on Wednesday was a success, he said. "I'm excited."

Along with Forst, whose company Forst Construction provided design and construction, other members of the community donated their time and labor to the project, as well.

Glenn Cherveney provided engineering plans, and John Claflin, of Colours Mini Excavating helped with the excavating (He is also a former Springs Fire Department chief and East Hampton Town police sergeant).

Robert Schmitter, an ex-captain, gave of his Mini Mix concrete, Riverhead Building Supply, Dave Brown, a former East Hampton fire chief and Suffolk County Fire Rescue Coordinator, helped with the metal fabrication.

The public safety training facility, which is located on Industrial Road, enables firefighters from the Montauk, Amagansett, Springs, East Hampton, Sag Harbor, and Bridgehampton fire departments, as well as the local police departments, to train on a regular basis.