Fire departments from the area are participating in a large scale fire drill on IBM property in Yorktown on April 7.
The drill is slated to last from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and first responders will use the surrounding roads of Route 134, Pines Bridge and Chadeayne.
During this time, multiple pieces of fire apparatus will be involved in operations simulating a fire in the main IBM Research Facility, with a simulated loss of water pressure.
The main objectives are to train on water supply operations including the use of tankers and drafting operations, to work on interoperability with mutual aid departments which includes radio communications, command and control of the scene, as well as practice basic firefighting techniques for a large scale operation, said Lieutenant Timothy Mentrasti of the Yorktown Heights Fire Department.
Additionally, as part of the drill members will be training on hazardous materials operations and decontamination of both fire department personnel and civilians alike due to some of the chemicals located in the building. This simulation will help the Yorktown fire department and their mutual aid departments plan for a "worst case scenario" situation.
"Water tanker trucks will be called in to simulate water relay operations resulting in emergency vehicles operating on Yorktown's roads that are not congruent with normal driving conditions," Yorktown Heights fire department officials wrote on their website.
Fire officials are asking the public to understand that during this time, the fire apparatus will be running to simulate actual operating conditions.
Participating fire departments as mutual aid are: Millwood, Croton, Bedford Hills, Ossining, Lake Mohegan, Peekskill, Mount Kisco, Somers, Continental Village, Potantico Hills, Pleasantville, Continental Village, Goldens Bridge, Buchanan.
