Seekonk Firefighters Training at Old Hotel

From October 2 through 4, Seekonk firefighters were conducting training exercises at the old Clarion Inn on Fall River Avenue.

The hotel closed for good a few months ago and is slated for demolition. A new motel, retail shops, and a Whole Foods supermarket will be constructed on the site.

The building contractor, CM&B, allowed the fire department to use 47 rooms for the training, which included forcible entry and hose advancement.

Members of the Barrington and Attleboro Fire Departments also participated. The Seekonk Police Department was on the scene as well to provide assistance.

“It’s absolutely great training for us,” said Lt. Kevin English, who leads the department’s training division.

Firefighters learned how to search for victims in a hotel fire, vent windows, and break through doors and walls.

A smoke machine was used to simulate what it would be like in a real fire.

There were 19 trainees at the hotel on October 3 and 15 on October 4, plus seven instructors.

English said Lt. Matt Bradford did “99 percent of the work” in setting up the training.

English praised CM&B for their cooperation, which included clearing a road in back of the property for the department’s vehicles to access.

“They treat us unbelievably well,” English added.