On Sunday, November 16, members of the Village of Mamaroneck Fire Department participated in Westchester County’s “Weekly Drill Series,” focusing on the challenging scenario known as “Pinned and Burning – The Dual Threat.” This intensive training evolution simulated a multi-vehicle accident involving trapped occupants and an active car fire, requiring crews to coordinate fire suppression and vehicle extrication operations simultaneously.

Training Overview
Firefighters were presented with a dynamic and realistic scene designed to test their ability to stabilize vehicles, access trapped victims, and manage fire conditions under pressure. The drill emphasized communication, hazard awareness, and smooth integration between engine and rescue company functions.

Tools and Techniques Utilized
Throughout the evolution, members employed a wide range of rescue and firefighting tools, including:

Hydraulic extrication tools (spreaders, cutters, and rams) for door removal, dash displacement, and accessing simulated victims.

Stabilization equipment such as cribbing, struts, and step chocks to secure vehicles prior to cutting operations.

Hand tools including halligans, axes, and windshield saws for glass management and creating secondary access points.

Charged hose lines used for fire suppression, protection of trapped occupants, and providing a safety line for the rescue team.

This combination of fire and technical rescue training allowed members to sharpen their ability to handle complex incidents where time, coordination, and precision are critical.

Thank You to Our Partners
The Village of Mamaroneck FD extends its sincere appreciation to the Westchester County DES Fire Training Division for facilitating this valuable training. A special thank-you to instructors Tim Hannigan, John Varmon, and Eugene Malone for their expertise, guidance, and hands-on instruction throughout the day.

We would also like to express our gratitude to Safeway Towing of New Rochelle, NY, for generously donating three vehicles and providing access to their yard as the training site. Their support greatly enhances our ability to train in real-world conditions that directly benefit the safety of our community.