New City, NY – Rockland County’s volunteer firefighters are set to receive enhanced training tools to help them recognize and respond to two of the most dangerous fire hazards they may face—flashovers and backdrafts—following a unanimous vote by the Rockland County Legislature. The approval grants $104,000 for the purchase of new flashover and backdraft simulators to be used at the Rockland County Fire Training Center.
“This new training equipment allows our firefighters to better prepare for the many fires they battle throughout the course of the year,” said Rockland County Legislature Public Safety Committee Chairman, Paul Cleary. “The training can never stop if we want to ensure their safety and their ability to safely take care of us. This is the continuation of County government’s commitment to making sure our volunteers have the tools they need so they can be as prepared and safe as possible.”
The simulators, which will be used to train firefighters in the signs and responses to flashovers and backdrafts, are considered a critical addition to the county’s firefighting training equipment. Flashovers occur when a room reaches ignition point and bursts into flames, while backdrafts happen when oxygen is introduced into an oxygen-deprived environment, causing an explosion of gases. Both situations are highly life-threatening and can often be fatal.
Chris Kear, Rockland County’s Fire & Emergency Services Director, emphasized that the new equipment is necessary due to the heavy use of older simulators, which had become worn down over time. These new training tools will help first responders recognize these dangerous conditions and know the proper actions to take.
The approval for the simulators is part of a long-standing commitment by the County Legislature to invest in the safety and preparedness of volunteer firefighters. In recent years, more than $20 million has been allocated to improve the Rockland County Fire Training Center, including a $9 million investment to replace the Burn Building, where firefighters practice fighting fires in a controlled environment.
“We have grown accustomed to expecting our volunteer firefighters to be there when we most need them,” said Cleary. “But every time they face a significant fire, they are putting their lives on the line. I want to express the gratitude of the entire County Legislature for everything these firefighters do, from putting in hours of their time to voluntarily train and respond to their willingness to sacrifice time away from their families because their duty has called them into action.”
The new simulators will allow firefighters to safely practice handling high-risk fire conditions, ensuring they are prepared for emergencies. This initiative highlights the County’s ongoing commitment to supporting the courageous men and women who protect the community every day.