Norfolk’s firefighters train for the unthinkable

Text By Brian Hutchins
Photos By David Beers

On the morning of Sunday, Oct. 16, downtown Norfolk became the scene of an elaborate firefighting drill. To onlookers, it appeared that the Royal Arcanum Building was on fire—smoke poured out of an upper window as first responders wrangled multiple hoses into position. Norfolk Fire Chief Matt Ludwig was quick, however, to relieve any anxiety about an emergency at one of the town’s historic buildings. He explained that, like most fire departments in the area, the Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department (NVFD) has plans drawn up on how to handle fires in many major buildings around town. 

On the heels of the recent change in ownership of the Royal Arcanum building, which included major improvements to the fire protection system (sprinkler and fire alarm), the NVFD decided it was time to update their plan for handling any emergencies in the building. According to Ludwig, “preplanning coupled with training allows our members to respond and conduct themselves accordingly to mitigate any emergency we are called for. [Sunday’s] drill focused on a very historic building which solidified the roles, apparatus and staffing needed in the event the worst should happen.” After a few meetings, a dry run on a tabletop, and a walk- through of the building it was time to put in the work.

On the day of the drill all the participating area departments were asked to meet at Norfolk fire headquarters. After a briefing from organizer Jon Barbagallo and Chief Ludwig it was time to execute the plan. To provide realism, the players were directed to stagger their approach to the “scene” . Up first were the Norfolk fire and ambulance departments.  Hoses were attached to hydrants and water was sprayed into City Meadow to test the water pressure in the newly replaced/relined pipes, while the ambulance crew set up in front of the Hub to stand by for possible “victims” who played hurt to test their skills. The firefighters then put search and rescue techniques to the test, aided by SCBA  air tanks strapped to their backs. 

Next up were two departments equipped with special apparatus that Norfolk does not possess, ladder trucks. These are needed in large building fires to rescue trapped victims and to help get water to the fire from above. First was North Canaan, with the help of Lakeville (Salisbury). They set up their 75-foot aerial truck in the driveway of the former Norfolk Pizza. Winsted Fire, with the help of Winchester Center, were next. They hooked to a hydrant on Maple Avenue and set up in front of The Berkshire Store with their 85-foot tower truck.

Colebrook Fire Department was brought in as standby coverage for any potential real town emergencies  while the drill was going on.

After flowing water for quite some time and once the hoses were all back on their respective trucks, everyone was invited back to the fire station for refreshments and a debriefing. A couple of minor problems were identified and changes to the plan suggested. Also, the part of the plan not practiced was described. In a real fire, a hose line deployed from Buttermilk Falls on Westside Road would be put into action, but the fire department did not want to inconvenience traffic on Route 44 for the drill. 

Afterwards, the Aquarion Water Company confirmed that 150,000 gallons of water were used for the exercise. The NVFD deemed the simulated fire response a success and the proactive pre-incident planning an exercise that could make all the difference in the outcome of a true emergency situation.