College of Criminal Justice and Emergency Responders

Fire Science students queue a hose line into a practice building during an exercise at LSSU’s fire practice grounds in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.  Rescue Resources LLC of Grand Rapids provided training on how approach fires that tend to be very fluid, superheated, and explosive.

Fire science students and faculty were joined by the Sault Ste. Marie city fire department for all day training. Crews practiced “positive pressure attack” techniques that blow heat out windows and allow firefighters to walk into a fire without taking a beating. The method also increases safety for trapped people. The Sault fire department, along with LSSU fire science faculty, chipped in to help cover Rescue Resources’ visit.

LSSU’s fire science students participated in such training in a recent special class. The one day class emphasized practical work and is an example of most recent developments and research in suppressing fire in residential type buildings.

The class was taught by Grand Rapids Fire Department Deputy Chief Kevin Sehlmeyer.   He and his instructional team provided the training which demonstrated how the use of specially designed fans can be used in conjunction with initial fire attack.   This practical instruction combines with the theory and research LSSU students study in their classroom work.