Biloxi firefighters undergoing scenario-based training to maintain city’s fire rating

BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) - Biloxi firefighters are undergoing intense scenario-based training this week. Tuesday, WLOX News was on scene as crews sharpened the skills they use to save lives and property.

“It’s life or death scenarios. It’s the most important training we can do,” department training chief Nick Dubuisson said.

Biloxi employs more than 150 firefighters. Over the next week, each of them will undergo 18 hours of training.

At Station 7 on Popp’s Ferry Road, crews used the Darren Endris Training Tower to simulate a very real possibility: a trapped firefighter.

“In this scenario, there’s going to be two firefighters,” Dubuisson explained. “One, who is trapped under a thousand pounds, simulating a roof collapse. And the other firefighter is just trapped under something small that he can get out of by himself.”

The stage is set in the training facility: inside the building is dark. Thick smoke chokes the air and obscures visibility to add a level of realism that will prepare firefighters for the real thing.

Because it is hard to see inside, supervisors watch the action unfold on thermal cameras.

“Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!” a firefighter calls out on the radio. “This is Engine Eight Alpha. I’ve been separated from my crew. I’m on the second floor. There’s been some kind of collapse. I’m pinned down.”

Crews wasted no time rushing into the building, carrying with them power tools that will help free the trapped firefighter.

“Got him!” one of the firefighters shouted as the mission was accomplished.

The training supplements the additional 192 hours of company training throughout the year, with two additional hours of training per shift.

“This training is also something that will help our Insurance Service Office rating,” Dubuisson added. “They base the score from one to 10. One being the best, 10 being the worst.”

The city of Biloxi has a fire rating of two, which means residents and property owners pay lower insurance costs.

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