Fishers firefighters use donated homes to prepare responders, neighbors

FISHERS, Ind (WISH) – For the first time, Fishers firefighters offered hands-on training for anyone looking to learn more about what they do.

“Real life firefighting doesn’t always match Hollywood,” Fishers Fire Department spokesperson John Mehling said. “Great TV shows, that they have, but in real life it’s really about hard work, back breaking work, getting in and getting the job done.”

Having a spot to practice is just as important. This week, firefighters tore through donated homes on 118th Street.

“Any time we have the opportunity to go into a different residence and perform our techniques it just expands our abilities and capabilities to perform rescues to put fires out,” Mehling said.

The training wasn’t only for firefighters. The department invited the public. Dave Woods took advantage of of the opportunity by bringing his grandson.

“He got a bracelet that says: call 911 if there’s a fire,” Woods said. “Now he knows if something happens at his house, how he dials 911 he gets the fire department here.”

His grandson did more than watch, firefighters took him into the smoke. “He took us through the house and showed us how they practice and what they do inside the house,” Woods said. “We got a great inside look at what was going on there.”

These are important lessons firefighters say they need to teach so they can reduce calls — despite more people moving to the area.

“Anytime that we can show the kids that their actions have consequences, it’s very important,” Mehling said. “We’ve got to start the next generation getting interested to take our place.”

If you weren’t able to make it to the training, firefighters will also visit schools. There is also a safety day in September. And if you really want a hands-on experience, firefighters say feel free to stop by any station.