Home
Firefighters get hands-on training in Iowa
fire

​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

community relations commission award
Building community relationships in South Dakota
Black Hills Energy was recently recognized by the Rapid City Community Relations Commission as a Founding Partner. The commission is committed to building positive relationships in the community and creating a safe space where all people feel heard. Over the past year, several Black Hills Energy…
fourth of july parade
We love a parade in Nebraska
Black Hills Energy was honored to be a part of the Gibbon, Nebraska, Chamber of Commerce Fourth of July parade! Staff and their families from the Kearney, Nebraska, office enjoyed being a part of this long-standing annual tradition. A Black Hills Energy car, service truck and go-kart van were…
technicians making hula hoops out of pipe
Fun and games at Strawberry Days in Colorado
Energy efficiency and good ol’ fashioned summer fun came together in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, in late June as Black Hills Energy continued its annual sponsorship of the Strawberry Days weekend. Black Hills Energy Ambassador Mario Santana, who doubles as a Glenwood-based materials coordinator,…
nebraska volunteer of the year installs playground equipment
Meet the 2023 Nebraska Volunteer of the Year
Nebraska Volunteer of the Year Brock Domeier, a gas service technician in the Sutton area, represents volunteerism through his dedication to supporting his small-town community. Brock’s devotion to his community and country deserves praise and recognition. Not only has he dedicated countless hours…