The Haletown Volunteer Fire Department took part in a live training exercise over the weekend using a controlled burn of an abandoned property to help firefighters strengthen emergency response skills in real-world conditions.

The training focused on several key firefighting operations, including search and rescue procedures, victim extraction, and observing the stages of fire growth inside a working structure fire. Firefighters practiced locating and removing a rescue dummy from the building while crews also worked through coordinated fire attack scenarios.

The Sequatchie Volunteer Fire Department assisted with the training exercise, allowing both departments to sharpen teamwork and communication skills that are critical during emergency calls.

Officials say hands-on training opportunities like controlled burns are valuable because they allow firefighters to experience realistic heat, smoke, and fire behavior in a safe and supervised environment. The exercise also helped newer firefighters gain experience while allowing veteran personnel to reinforce operational techniques.

Volunteer departments throughout the region regularly conduct joint exercises to improve preparedness and response capabilities for structure fires and rescue situations across Marion County and surrounding communities.

The department is also recruiting for new volunteer members. If interested, you’re encouraged to get in touch with the department for more information. Learn more on their Facebook page.