Firefighters use vacant house for training ground

Koulas farmhouse provides value to firefighters with its demolition on the horizon

CHELMSFORD » With the vacant house on the former Koulas Farm property set to be demolished later this month, firefighters decided to make the most of the structure while it’s standing.

Chelmsford Fire Chief Gary Ryan said the department conducted several “priceless” training exercises at the home at 185 Pine Hill Road to simulate real-life scenarios faced by firefighters in a controlled environment.

Firefighters practiced various techniques, including search-and-rescue, ventilation, and fire suppression. As part of the training, a smoke simulator capable of quickly generating thick fog was used inside the house to mimic the dense smoke produced by fires.

Ryan said the use of vacant houses within the community for training by firefighters provides “invaluable opportunities to refine our skills, reinforce safety protocols, and ultimately augment our capacity to serve and safeguard the community.”

“By exposing Chelmsford firefighters to a spectrum of situations within these structures, we better equip them to respond adeptly and promptly when lives and property are at risk,” Ryan said.

The chief added training in vacant houses allows firefighters to familiarize themselves with the layout and construction of various buildings within Chelmsford.

“Each structure poses unique challenges, and prior familiarity with these environments significantly enhances their ability to execute firefighting operations successfully,” Ryan said. “Acquiring knowledge of potential points of entry and exit, as well as identifying structural weaknesses and hazards, empowers our firefighters to make informed decisions and adjust their strategies accordingly, ensuring the safety of both them and the public.”

Chelmsford Town Meeting representatives voted on purchasing the former Koulas Farm property on Pine Hill Road in October. Ryan said on Friday that the house situated on the property is set to be demolished within the week.

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COURTESY CHELMSFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT The Chelmsford Fire Department conducted several training evolutions at the vacant Koulas Farmhouse on Pine Hill Road in March 2024. The house is scheduled to be demolished at the end of the month.

COURTESY CHELMSFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT The Chelmsford Fire Department conducted several training evolutions at the vacant Koulas Farmhouse on Pine Hill Road in March 2024. A smoke simulator that is capable of generating a thick fog to simulate the dense smoke produced by fires was used during the training.