On Monday, March 23, 2026, members of the Chestertown Volunteer Fire Company reported to the station for our regularly scheduled biweekly company training. This drill was led by Deputy Chief Russum and focused on ventilation techniques, specifically those that can be safely performed by members who have not yet completed Firefighter I, as well as the most commonly used ventilation methods on the fireground.

Ventilation is a critical fireground function involving the removal of smoke, heat, and harmful gases from a structure to improve conditions for both occupants and firefighters. While there are several methods of ventilation, all must be performed in a coordinated and controlled manner to ensure effectiveness and safety.

Members reviewed and discussed the four primary types of ventilation:

• Natural Ventilation: Utilizing existing openings such as doors and windows to allow heat and smoke to escape naturally.
• Horizontal Ventilation: The most commonly used method, combining natural openings with mechanical fans (positive and/or negative pressure) to move air through a structure.
• Vertical Ventilation: Performed from the roof by opening skylights, scuttles, or cutting ventilation holes to release heat and smoke.
• Hydraulic Ventilation: Using a hose stream in a fog pattern to push smoke and gases out of a structure, typically after fire knockdown.

Using our bunk room and a smoke machine, crews were able to simulate a smoke-filled environment and practice horizontal ventilation techniques. Members operated both negative pressure (smoke ejectors) and positive pressure fans independently and together to observe the effectiveness of each approach.

Training also included proper use and placement of equipment commonly carried on our apparatus:

• Negative Pressure Fans (Smoke Ejectors): Typically placed in windows or doorways to pull smoke out of a structure.
• Positive Pressure Fans: Including our battery-powered “BlowHard” fan, capable of moving large volumes of air quickly to clear smoke and improve interior conditions.

In addition to hands-on skills, members reinforced several key operational principles:

• “Try Before You Pry” – Attempt to use existing openings before causing damage to a structure.
• Airflow Awareness – Ensuring fans are properly positioned to maximize effectiveness.
• Proper Lifting Techniques – Using safe body mechanics when handling equipment.
• Coordination – Ventilation must always be coordinated with fire attack crews and the Incident Commander.
• Realistic Expectations – While ventilation removes smoke and hazardous gases, it cannot eliminate smoke odor from a structure.

This type of training ensures our members are prepared to operate safely and effectively on the fireground while minimizing damage to property and improving conditions for those we serve.