On Wednesday 4/16/14, Mohegan Firefighters trained at the Furnace Woods Station on the topic of Ventilation Saws and the science of venting at a structure fire. Training began with classroom instruction followed by hands on activities with the various saws used for venting within the district. Lieutenant Eade led the lecture utilizing video/internet sources as well as drawing on his many years of experience in the field.

The main points of the training regarding venting is to utilize a timed attack of getting the "wet stuff on the red stuff" and venting above the seat of the fire. Venting should occur when a hose line is in position to attack the seat of the fire.

Venting is not intended to be done haphazardly by blowing out windows at random. This can actually lead to oxygen feeding the toxic conditions thus causing a flashover. It is also important to remember that venting, whether it's taking out a window or cutting a 4ft by 4ft hole in the roof can only be done after an order has been given by a Firematic Officer.

There are 3 saws that are commonly used for venting. They are the K12 also known as a Partner saw, the Cutters Edge, and the Quick vent saw. All of these saws use MotoMix or RedMax fuel. These are pre-mixed fuel and oil products that are contained in one container. There is no need to mix gas and oil at the scene when refueling any of the mentioned saws.

Of the 3 saws, many Firefighters prefer the Cutters Edge because of its blade adjust capabilities which prevents cutting into beams as the guide only allows you to go as deep as it is set. The K12 has the ability to cut stone, metal and wood when using the correct blade. The Diamond Blade can cut through all of the above materials. The quick vent saw is handy tool to use when there is a lot of layers of shingles and tar.

When preparing to vent using any of the saws it is recommended that the saw first be started on the ground then shut off as to ensure easy start up when the tool gets to the roof. As always, extreme safety measures should be used when handling a saw i.e. eye protection, body position when operating saw, carrying saw with blade down etc.