West Mead #1 members completed a reading smoke presentation for training this week. Training focused on David Dodson and his Art of Reading Smoke presentation from FDIC. The material reinforced the fire dynamics training our members have participated in the last two years.

The program focuses on examining smoke conditions at structure fires during the size-up process. Smoke conditions were evaluated based on velocity, volume, color, and density. Conditions also were rated based on improvement or worsening conditions over seconds or minutes.

During break the members were split into two teams. Team 1 needed to be fully geared and stretch a hand line to the second floor of the station while Team 2 set up Engine 28-12 to draft out of a portable water tank.

The Reading Smoke presentation is available from FDIC online at ON24.com (linked below).
Reading Smoke at ON24.com