On April 25 West Mead #1 joined other area fire departments for a tour of Ernst Conservation Seeds in Union Township. Organized by Vernon Central Hose Company, the presentation and tour provided mutual aid companies an opportunity to appraise the buildings and identify particular challenges associated with agricultural and commercial biomass facilities. Ernst Seeds provided a supper followed by a presentation on pre-planning agricultural emergencies. The firefighters split into groups and were guided by Ernst staff members through the facility. The tour covered fire and spill hazards, utilities, occupancy, and hazard mitigation.

Other fire departments participating in the tour included Vernon Central, Greenwood, and Cochranton.

Officers from Vernon Central and West Mead #1 followed up with an on-site visit to update pre-plans for emergency operations at the Ernst Conservation facilities.