More than 20 Merion Fire Company volunteers ran live-fire scenarios at the Lower Merion Burn Tower on Monday evening, practicing fire attack, search techniques and decision-making inside a controlled burn structure.

The drill began at 7 p.m. and put firefighters through realistic fireground conditions meant to sharpen the teamwork they rely on during actual emergencies in Ardmore and surrounding neighborhoods. Meanwhile, four additional members stayed behind at Station 25 on Greenfield Avenue in Ardmore for driver/operator training, learning to safely maneuver the company's engines and aerial truck on emergency runs.

Graham Fuller, who authored the company's official recap posted July 21, wrote that every training session helps prepare volunteers for real emergencies serving Ardmore and Lower Merion Township.

Why it matters locally

The Merion Fire Company of Ardmore, founded in 1890 as the first organized fire protection in Lower Merion Township, fields roughly 50 volunteer firefighters and officers who answer about 500 alarms a year, according to the company's website. Their coverage area includes more than 150 apartment buildings, 770 commercial properties, and a railroad corridor carrying commuter and freight traffic.

Across all seven Lower Merion fire companies, more than 200 volunteers and a small number of full-time staff handle more than 3,000 calls annually for nearly 70,000 residents, according to the department's recruitment page. The Merion Fire Company's own recruitment materials state that emergency call volume has doubled over the past 25 years while staffing levels have not increased to match.

Each station holds one regular weeknight training session, and newer members are encouraged to earn Firefighter I certification through the Montgomery County Fire Academy. Three Merion Fire Company members, Sarah Scherf, Shane Burns and Jesse Laurino, completed that program on Tuesday, June 24, logging more than 180 hours of classroom and hands-on instruction.

How to get involved

The Lower Merion Fire Department accepts volunteer applications from anyone living in the township or within one mile of any of its seven stations. Prospective members can apply at joinlmfd.org.

Photos from the July 20 drill are available on the Merion Fire Company's website at merionfireco.org.