| On Monday, November 10, fifteen members of the Montrose Fire Department traveled to the neighboring Mohegan Fire Department to participate in a regional training session on hybrid building construction, a rapidly growing trend in modern residential and commercial development. Montrose personnel responded with Engine 123, Car 2273, and Utility 63 to support this collaborative initiative.
Firefighters from Westchester County’s Battalion 10 and Battalion 17 also attended the training, which included a classroom session titled “Millennium Box: Understanding Hybrid Building Construction.” The program was led by Chief Chris Thomas of the Yonkers Fire Department, a respected subject matter expert on emerging building construction challenges facing today’s fire service.
Hybrid buildings—structures that combine traditional and modern construction materials—are increasingly common throughout the department’s primary and mutual aid response areas. These buildings often include a mix of lightweight wood trusses, engineered lumber, steel framing, and modular components, which present unique fire behavior, collapse risks, and access concerns for firefighters.
“This type of training is critical as our response area continues to evolve,” said a Montrose department spokesperson. “Understanding how these structures are built—and how they behave during fire conditions—gives our members the knowledge they need to operate more safely and effectively.”
Montrose FD extends its sincere thanks to Westchester County Department of Emergency Services, Battalion 10, Battalion 17, Chief Chris Thomas, and especially to the Mohegan Fire Department for hosting this valuable training opportunity. |
