A full-scale disaster-response exercise was conducted at the Cerro Gordo County Emergency Management Agency offices in Mason City this week, as part of the agency’s year-round, coordinated training efforts.
Public Information Officer Kara Ruge (left) attends a briefing of Cerro Gordo County Emergency Management officials, led by Brian Hanft, (second from left) during a full-scale crisis exercise in Mason City in 2019.
Cerro Gordo County Information Technology director Ken Bahls gives a status report at a full-scale crisis exercise in Mason City.
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Cerro Gordo County Emergency Management Agency liaison Bob Harris gives an update about fuel supplies during a full-scale crisis exercise in Mason City on Sept. 10.
Mason City Fire Chief Erik Bullinger takes part in a full-scale crisis exercise alongside volunteers from Alliant Energy and Mason City Community School District on Sept. 10.
Photos: Mason City Fire Department search and rescue exercise
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In a training exercise a firefighter prepares to cut through the exterior wall of a house with a chainsaw in an attempt to reach a "distressed" firefighter trapped inside.
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In a training exercise a firefighter uses a chainsaw to cut a triangle-shaped opening in the exterior wall of a house in an attempt to reach a "distressed" firefighter trapped inside.
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In a training exercise a firefighter a fire hook to tear out the wall of a house after a hole was created by a chainsaw in an attempt to reach a "distressed" firefighter trapped inside.
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In a training exercise a "distressed" firefighter emerges from a hole cut through the wall of a house.
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In a training exercise a "distressed" firefighter emerges from a hole cut through the wall of a house.
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The Mason City Fire Department participate in a search and rescue training exercise in an abandoned house in Mason City in September 2019.
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In a training exercise a firefighter uses a chainsaw to a triangle-shaped opening in the exterior wall of a house in an attempt to reach a "distressed" firefighter trapped inside.
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In a training exercise a firefighter uses a chainsaw to a triangle-shaped opening in the exterior wall of a house in an attempt to reach a "distressed" firefighter trapped inside.
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In a training exercise a "distressed" firefighter pushes on the wall as firefighters on the opposite side attempt to create an opening in the side of a house.
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In a training exercise a "distressed" firefighter exits the house through a hole cut through the exterior wall.
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Firefighters inspect the chainsaw cut made through the exterior wall of a house.
Photos: Mason City Fire Department fire-simulation training
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Smoke seeps out of the Interior Fire Attack Simulator trailer in the north lot of the Mason City Fire Department.
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A firefighter shoots water through an open window to douse a live fire inside the simulator.
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Mason City Fire Department firefighters prepare to enter the live-fire simulator.
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Mason City Fire Department firefighters prepare to enter the live-fire simulator.
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Firefighters work their way through the simulator as crew members look on.
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Supervisor Schweitzer walks inspects the simulator after a round of training.
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The interior of the trailer includes a small living room area with a metal loveseat and window, as well as simulated kitchen.
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A staircase drops into the main trailer area, and can be used to simulate a firefighter's entry to the basement of a home.
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Supervisor Schweitzer installs a panel to represent a kitchen wall.
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The interior of the trailer includes a small living room area with a metal loveseat and window, as well as simulated kitchen.
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A small fire breaks out on the stove top in the kitchen area.
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A kitchen fire spreads from the stove top to the range hood.
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A kitchen fire spreads from the stove top to the range hood.
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A kitchen fire spreads from the stove top, beyond the range hood, and up to the ceiling.
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Flames engulf the kitchen area of the trailer and spread along the length of the ceiling.
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Flames engulf the kitchen area of the trailer and spread along the length of the ceiling.
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Flames shoot up from the loveseat and along the wall as theatrical smoke begins to fill the living room.
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Flames shoot up from the loveseat and along the wall as theatrical smoke begins to fill the living room.
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Fire fighters stopped at a North Iowa Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) tent to receive rehab assistance. In the case of an actual fire, CERT staff would respond to the scene and check vital signs and offer pressurized air, misting fans, water, and food to firefighters.
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Fire fighters stopped at a North Iowa Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) tent to receive rehab assistance. In the case of an actual fire, CERT staff would respond to the scene and check vital signs and offer pressurized air, misting fans, water, and food to firefighters.
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Fire fighters stopped at a North Iowa Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) tent to receive rehab assistance. In the case of an actual fire, CERT staff would respond to the scene and check vital signs and offer pressurized air, misting fans, water, and food to firefighters.
Lisa Grouette is a Photographer/Breaking News Reporter for the Globe Gazette. Reach her at 641-421-0525.
Lisa Grouette
Local News Editor | Photo Editor
