The flame was 40-feet tall, it roared like a jet plane and then they told volunteer firefighters to go put it out.
Coahoma County hosted a propane tank fire drill on the parking lot of the old Kroger Building on South State Street recently with 26 firefighters learning the finer points of attacking just such a blaze.
“This drill teaches safety, teamwork and what everyone on the scene is supposed to do,” said Stanley Lynom, Coahoma County Volunteer Firefighter Coordinator. “When you are called to something like this you have to rely on training to give you the confidence to approach that fire and keep everyone safe until you put it out.”
Lynom said it starts with the water supply and those manning the firetrucks and pumping water - lots of it -- to the crew.
Special nozzels are used to spray a funnel for firefighters to walk behind and supress the fire.
“Then someone has to take a wrench, stick their hand in there and turn off the valve,” said Lynom. “Done properly, it can be done quickly and safely.”
The training exercise saw firefighters from Clarksdale, Marks, Bolivar County and Coahoma County take part in the drill.
“We haven’t done this type of training in about four or five years,” said Lynom. “It was needed training for the new guys and a good refresher for the veterans.”
Lynom said local fire crews probably respond to this type of fire about every two or three years.
Being scared of fire is natural and trained fire fighters learn to turn that fear into respect.
“Every fire is dangerous, but if you know the dangers you watch out for them and that’s what these training exercises are all about.” said Lynom.
Lynom said Sayle Oil provided the propane used in the drill free of charge.
