Firefighters do drills to help victims faster and more efficiently

BAKER CITY – Baker City Firefighters recently spent some time doing drills on window searches or “VES” and rescuing victims from windows. According to Baker City Fire and Rescue, “sometimes the fastest way to access a second-floor room isn’t always the stairs, and firefighters need to show proficiency in raising ladders in high-stress situations.”

On their social media page, the department noted that recently, “the fire safety campaign has been “close before you doze” meaning close your bedroom doors before going to sleep. The door acts as a barrier to fire, smoke, and hot gasses. This gives firefighters valuable minutes to rescue you. This drill and other laddering, search, and rescue drills demonstrates our commitment to the safety message and our community.”