Grand Rapids firefighters rappel down City Hall in training exercise
Daren Bower / FOX 17
and last updated 2021-05-14 18:47:23-04
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. â Grand Rapids firefighters took part in a training exercise this afternoon to hone their rope rescue skills, according to the City of Grand Rapids.
Weâre told the Grand Rapids Fire Department conducted rope rescue training this past week, culminating in their final class Friday when personnel rappelled down City Hall.
GRFD conducts rope rescue training session
The City says the class was funded in part by the Kent County Training Council.
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GRFD and GRPS Team Up To Teach Students Fire Safety
Not only was last year one of the deadliest in American History because of COVID-19, but it was also the deadliest in Grand Rapids for house fires, according to the Grand Rapids Fire Department and WZZM.
There were 9 deaths in 5 different house fires in Grand Rapids in 2020 which is more than the last two decades, as Grand Rapid Fire Department Lt. William Smith told WZZM, This was a very, very high number for us. We haven t had that many fire fatalities for a very long time, nearly 20 years. So, the fire prevention division decided to change, or pivot, the way we operate. One of those operational things that we came up with was to partner with Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) to help our children be safer.
One injured, five displaced in Grand Rapids apartment fire
file photo
and last updated 2021-02-20 20:03:21-05
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. â The Grand Rapids Fire Department responded to an apartment fire at Millbrook Apartments on Pastiche Drive today.
Lt. William Smith with the GRFD says the fire started as a result of a resident using an electric stove to heat the apartment.
Weâre told the fire resulted in one minor injury and that five adults were displaced from the building. Smith says Red Cross is providing shelter to those people.
Smith advises everyone to never use an improvised source of heating. He recommends using a space heater, visiting a friendâs house or calling 2-1-1 for temporary shelter if in need of emergency heating.