NAPLES, Fla. — North Collier, the City of Naples and Greater Naples Fire Rescue are teaming up for a joint technical rescue exercise. About 60 firefighters are gaining hands-on experience so they’re ready to respond to a real fire. Chief Corey Adamski is with the City of Naples Fire Rescue.

“Real structures react differently than training props,” he said.

An old FGCU building on 5th Avenue was donated so they could practice. Chief Adamski says the purpose of this exercise is to simulate how to rescue people in the event of a building collapse.

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“We have some search cameras in operation so we can look into rubble and debris. Without having to move everything, we can see if there are any victims under the rubble,” he said.

They work to improve their skills in five areas. Lieutenant Daniel Sawyer of Greater Naples Fire Rescue says the first two are building and trench collapse. They also practice rescue procedures for victims trapped in a confined space, a vehicle or somewhere high up.

These rescue workers drill holes and put cameras in them to see what’s happening on the other side, so they know exactly where to look for people who need rescuing.

“Based on what is found on the other side, our operation could be moved to another location. If there is someone behind it, we cannot throw debris at them or injure them further,” he said.

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“This is our opportunity to familiarize ourselves with the situation,” said Lieutenant Sawyer.