Our Iowa gas team supported one of two fire safety demonstrations in Newton, Iowa, this month.
Mutual aid departments in the area joined together to train under controlled circumstances on techniques that included effectively containing and extinguishing natural gas fires with the latest materials for portable fire extinguishers and hose streams.
"Natural gas is such a safe fuel, it's highly unlikely that firefighters would ever encounter that kind of fire," said Summer Wade, Black Hills Energy operations supervisor for the Newton area. Even so, "our training provides a unique opportunity for hands-on experience and instruction."
In one exercise, firefighters used a fire hose and chemical extinguishers to put out a controlled natural gas fire under a scrapped vehicle, simulating a potential result of a car hitting a gas meter. In another scenario, firefighters practiced how to safely contain and extinguish a natural gas fire from a pipeline puncture.
The training is offered each year in a different portion of Iowa to fire departments throughout 133 Iowa communities.
We partner with our communities and customers, providing the kind of energy that fuels those areas and the lives of those we serve. Feel free to share the stories and photos. Make sure to tag us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.
Positive Energy
-
Members of our team recently volunteered at an outdoor classroom in Lincoln, Nebraska, helping to spread mulch at the Dimensions Education Program’s Nature Explore Classroom. The facility offers programs for children through kindergarten age. The popularity of nature-based outdoor classrooms is… -
The Springdale, Arkansas, Chamber of Commerce held its 57th annual Teacher Appreciation Event in early August. Created as a way to acknowledge and thank Springdale Public Schools’ educators for their work and contributions to the community, the event is the largest of its kind in the nation. More… -
A new wellness center is coming to the growing town of Seward, Nebraska. After conducting community wide research, the City of Seward determined that a wellness center was among the top three things community members needed. The decision to push forward with these findings was then made, and… -
Habitat for Humanity of Columbus, Nebraska, has partnered with members of their community since 2010. In that time, 14 homes were built for those in need. Our team helped with construction efforts this year during Habitat’s annual Spring Volunteer Day. Those in attendance helped construct a home…