North Ridgeville Review The Community That Cares
North Ridgeville Firefighters/Paramedics recently strengthened their fire suppression skills through hands-on training provided by the Ohio Fire Academy.
The academy brought its Fire Blast trailer to the North Ridgeville Fire Department, allowing participants to practice extinguishing simulated kitchen and bedroom fires on the ground floor before descending stairs to access a simulated basement fire. Propane was used to safely create realistic fire conditions inside the specialized training unit.
Firefighters from neighboring departments were also invited to participate, providing an opportunity for regional personnel to train together in a controlled environment. The majority of the North Ridgeville Fire Department completed the training.
Assistant Chief/Training Officer Jon Graf said the experience was especially valuable because effective fire suppression requires firefighters to do more than direct water toward a fire. Crews must advance heavy hose lines through a structure, position the hose where it is needed and operate the appropriate nozzle with the correct amount of water.
“One of the biggest challenges is moving the hose to where it needs to be while managing the necessary water flow,” Graf said. “This type of hands-on training allows our firefighters to practice those skills in realistic conditions, so they are better prepared when responding to an emergency.”
The Ohio Fire Academy training crew reinforces the importance of the first hose line with the saying, “As the first line goes, so goes the fire.” The first line placed into operation often plays a critical role in controlling the fire, protecting occupants and creating safer conditions for additional firefighters entering the structure.
The North Ridgeville Fire Department goes beyond minimum state training requirements by providing additional hands-on instruction in critical skills such as hose advancement. Newly hired Firefighters/Paramedics also complete a structured series of drills designed to build a strong foundation in hose handling, fire suppression and other essential response skills.
High temperatures and challenging air quality conditions added difficulty to the training. The Ohio Fire Academy crew worked closely with participants to conduct the exercises safely and effectively.
“The Ohio Fire Academy did a fantastic job providing realistic, high-quality training while helping crews manage the conditions,” Graf said. “We appreciate the opportunity to bring this valuable resource to North Ridgeville.”
The Ohio Fire Academy operates several mobile training simulators that allow departments to access specialized instruction within their own communities. In 2025, the academy brought its Driving Simulator trailer to North Ridgeville. The department is also scheduled to host the academy’s Search and Rescue Simulator in the future.
Additional Ohio Fire Academy mobile training resources include Flash-Over and Silo Rescue Simulators.
By continuing to invest in practical training opportunities, the North Ridgeville Fire Department helps ensure its personnel are prepared to respond safely, efficiently and effectively when residents need them most.
