New Hampshire fire departments are sharpening emergency response skills in a weekend live-fire training session. The training, highlighted by Merrimack and several neighboring departments, centered on a controlled structure where crews practiced attacking flames from ladders, and deploying hoses along the building’s sides. The exercise aims to keep firefighters ready for whatever they encounter in real fires, from rapid flame growth to hazardous rescues. Participants suited up, coordinated with partners, and evaluated teamwork under pressure as flames illuminated the practice building. Merrimack Fire Chief Joseph Guarnera stressed the value of rehearsal: ‘It’s very important because if we don’t practice, we forget. Practice how you play. You don’t want to learn how to do something when it’s time to do it. You want to have that in your toolbox.’ The training underscores a broader push across New Hampshire to maintain readiness through hands-on drills across the state. For More Information https://www.wmur.com/article/new-hampshire-live-fire-training-04052026/70938640
