Shuswap training officer Jason PufferHill stood alone in the quiet parking lot, radio in hand.
The silence, however, was soon broken as truck after truck rolled into the Carlin Elementary School parking lot.
There was a frenzy of activity as firefighters set up water tanks and positioned their crew.
The only thing missing was the fire.
Tappen and Shuswap volunteer fire departments and the South Shuswap First Responders gathered Tuesday for a rare chance to collaborate.
In the event that there was ever a large fire in the area, both departments would likely be called in as backup, explained PufferHill.
This event gave all crew members a chance to become familiar with different routines, equipment and members in their neighboring departments.
PufferHill said the intent is that if the situation ever arises, practices like this would minimize confusion and ensure a more effective response.
A mock structure fire was set up at Carlin Elementary. According to the scenario, a janitor had been cleaning when he discovered smoke billowing out of the wood shop.
Crews on scene rescued the janitor who was suffering from smoke inhalation. Once in a safe area, the first responders administered first aid.
The Carlin site is unique as there are no fire hydrants in the area. Instead, the departments must use water tanks.
The practice also allowed chiefs of both departments to see what would need to be done in the case of a fire at the school.
The heat didn’t deter the crews as they worked together to spray down the surrounding area.
PufferHill said that while such collaborations have taken place in the past, not for the eight years he has been with the fire department.
He says the last such practice sparked concerns when, the next day, they opened the paper to see that it was reported that a real fire had taken place.
This time, PufferHill made sure that those living in the area knew a practice was planned in order to ensure no one was alarmed.
The event was a success, and PufferHill said planning has begun for another one that will include the Salmon Arm department.
