HASTINGS — Mary Lanning Healthcare has invited the Hastings Fire Department to train in some of the unoccupied houses it owns surrounding the hospital campus.
Steve Ardiana, MLH Director of Engineering, said MLH wanted to provide a community service by allowing local firefighters to get training before the houses are removed in preparation for upcoming construction. The project involves clearing areas for expanded parking for MLH patients, families and employees, and for the proposed Medical Office Building expansion.
Assistant Fire Chief Curt Smith said the invitation from MLH will give firefighters a chance to do some unusual training.
“Several people ask us to come and burn down houses but many of those are in such poor condition that we cannot do any training inside,” Smith said.
The MLH-owned properties will not be burned because they are so close to neighbors. However, the firefighters will be using the buildings in other ways. The interiors of the houses will be filled with smoke and mannequins will be scattered throughout, Smith said. This will allow for zero-visibility search and rescue training.
Also, firefighters will work on cutting holes in roofs and walls for ventilation, and punching through walls for wall breeches. They will work on forcible entry and exit and learn about how fire travels up walls in balloon-frame construction homes.
The training at 733 N. Denver Avenue, 831 and 839 N. St. Joseph Avenue will take place over three days each of the next two weeks, Smith said.
Ardiana said MLH is pleased to offer this extra benefit to the fire department.
“This is just another way that we can serve the people of Hastings,” Ardiana said.