Confined spaces exercise highlights importance of preparedness for city's public works department

KENNEWICK, Wash. - An annual training exercise took place earlier today. The Kennewick Fire Department and Benton County Fire District 1 wanted to see how their first responders handled the confined spaces drill.

Tightly confined spaces contain many different hazards, from injuries to gases. That is why the fire department practices this drill. According to Kennewick Fire Department Deputy Fire Chief Michael Heffner, this exercise is being conducted in partnership with the city of Kennewick's Public Works Department to simulate an emergency in a confined space. "The city's public works department has many confined spaces, like the vault we're in today, representing a potential hazard," said Deputy Chief Heffner. A Member of the city of Kennewick played the injured person, and fire crews got to work making sure the equipment was properly secured. Candace Verret, a firefighter paramedic, says she is no stranger to the drill, but it does come with its challenges. Being able to think on the fly is important because every situation is different, said Verret. "For example, we might show up here and not have some equipment that we would normally rely on, and then we'll try to find anchors that we can tie off on that are strong enough to hold the weight that we are putting on them and the forces. Dana Dollarhyde, the Lead Communications Specialist, said she's never seen this exercise in person before but says exercises like this play an essential role in our community. This is a great way to reflect that to the community and is crucial to our public safety," Dollarhyde said. These annual drills provide vital experience for those first responders looking to get out of a tough spot.

These annual drills provide vital experience for those first responders looking to get out of a tough spot.

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