April 19 2025
Easter weekend has been a memorable time for NBFC. We have had our share of building and wood fires in the past years on this weekend. So I guess this year will leave it's mark too.

The most important objective today was to train newer members with live fire under the eye of seasoned state instructors. They have hundreds of fires under their belts and helped students become better firefighters. The goal was to see this done safely so that everyone goes home.

New Bloomfield fire company was the host company for this structural burn class. We were granted permission from the current owner to use the house for training. You can't simply burn a house. There are a list of state requirements you must meet and all were checked off by the appropriate parties for this burn.

The morning started off with the engines and tankers setting up hose lines for fire attack and safety lines added around the building. Members from companies 8, 3, 4, 10 and 12 made up 9 teams with 3 firefighters per team that were placed on a rotation for the day. Jobs were: fire attack, search, ventilation and RIT. Everyone had a chance to be on the nozzle for fire attack. Once the instructors made the decision to stop the training and let the building burn, hose lines were placed in service around the building to keep the fire in check.

But the wind changed direction and embers started the woods behind the house on fire. We had forestry on scene as a precaution, and they did go into service. Crews from the burn class started to extinguish as chief 8 called in brush units from companies 3, 4, 10 and UTV 2 to assist. A total of 1.4 aces burned. Sometimes things don't go as planned and you deal with it.

New Bloomfield fire company thanks all members that participated in this class and all the other companies who came and helped extinguish the woods fire. Plus NBFD members who were on scene helping during the day.

We would like to thank the following for donating items to make this burn possible:

Laurel Grove Farms, Mrs. Ettien and Dillman Family Farms for straw and hay
YDC and Heller's Hardware for skids
Adam Jones landscaping for use of his side by side
DCNR for being on stand by on scene
New Buffalo and Newport fire companies for their tankers
Ickesburg fire company for their engine
Linglestown fire company for their air unit
Muddy River K-9 for parking
Alicia Stout for letting us pump water out of her pond
Baked goods by Fire and Smoke BBQ
Drinks by Skyline Bargains