Dracut Firefighter Stephen Mullen sprays water on a simulated fire. (Photo Courtesy Dracut Fire Department)

DRACUT — Firefighters are donning their turnout gear and Self Contained Breathing Apparatus amid summer heat to search for training dummies and to battle simulated flames inside of a Lakeview Avenue home that is slated for demolition.

All Dracut firefighters will participate in intensive fire training this month at 1448 Lakeview Ave., a two-story home owned by Lakeview Family Dentists.

The dentist’s office offered use of the building last month. Firefighters jumped at the opportunity to plan training scenarios that will sharpen their skills.

“We work hard and sweat in training so we’re ready when the real world calls,” said Chief Michael Cunha. “Hands-on training creates muscle memory. It sharpens skills, and it prepares our firefighters to be more effective when lives and property are truly on the line. The Dracut Fire Department and all of its members are committed to training hard so that we’re ready for anything our community needs.”

View of a handheld thermal imaging camera being used by a Dracut firefighter. (Photo Courtesy Dracut Fire Department)

Firefighters on Tuesday donned their turnout gear and Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) in 85-degree temperatures before they headed inside the smoke-filled home to search for three dummies.

Using thermal imaging cameras to find their way, firefighters were able to locate two small dummies and a adult dummy in visibility of less than a foot.

Once the search was complete and all three dummies were out of the home, firefighters returned inside with a charged hose line to find and get water on a simulated fire.

Firefighters are taking turns completing similar scenarios all month long, during their regular shifts.

As the month progresses, firefighters will also use the home to practice other skills, such as forcing doors and opening walls to reach interior fires. The more destructive training is being saved for the end.

“I’d like to express our entire Department’s gratitude to Lakeview Family Dentists for providing us with this excellent training opportunity. This kind of training helps keep our firefighters prepared to save lives and minimize property damage,” said Chief Cunha. “We are here to protect our community, and Lakeview Family Dentists made a huge contribution to our efforts to do so by allowing us to use this home.”