Pueblo firefighters train with limited visibility to battle flames

Pueblo firefighters say smoke is always a challenge when battling a fire.

On Monday, a Chicago firefighter died Monday after falling down an elevator shaft trying to find a fire.

The fire commissioner said Daniel Capuano, 42, fell, because he couldn’t see through the heavy smoke.

“The situation in Chicago was really sad, and those types of accidents unfortunately do occur, especially in limited visibility situations,” Fire Chief Shawn Shelton said.

Shelton said there are things fire crews do to prepare.

He said firefighters train at least six times a year in limited or no visibility.

Firefighters also go through an obstacle course that simulates structural conditions that crews might face.

“A lot of it is by feel. Generally, the crews are dragging a hose so they are connected physically by that hose, and everyone keeps one hand on that hose all the time,” Shelton said.

Fire Capt. Don Morales said there is always some worry when going through the smoke to battle a fire.

“You are definitely concerned, because you do know there are obstacles, like stairs, you can fall down, holes that you could fall through,” he said.

But Morales said that won’t stop him from saving lives and property.

Shelton said one firefighter has been injured this year due to smoke visibility issues.