Firemen Called To Propane Leak, Practice Propane Firefighting In The Same Night

Valentine Volunteer Firemen Training With Propane Fire Simulator. Photo Courtesy Billie Brockley

About 20 members of the Valentine Volunteer Fire Department took part in the fire training trailer that was brought to Valentine by the Nebraska Fire Marshall’s Office on Wednesday.  The simulator puts firemen in a very realistic fire simulation putting firemen in a propane tank fire situation and trains personnel in fire suppression techniques and more importantly safety for firefighters once on scene. 

Valentine Volunteer Fire Department Chief Terry Engels stated that it’s a valuable tool for the local firefighters who train with the simulator using real flames fueled by propane.  The simulator is used in Valentine about every other year.

Coincidentally, although no fire was reported, but the fire department did respond to the report of a damaged propane tank at the trailer park near the 100 block of Thatcher Street in Valentine.  Apparently, the fitting to the regulator of the tank had broken-off, and firemen needed to turn off the valve to the full tank.  No injuries were reported and firemen were on scene for just a brief amount of time on Wednesday evening around 6pm.

Additional pictures thanks to Billie Brockley.