Sixty firefighters from several area departments participated in a joint training exercise at Terrace Hall yesterday, Lt. Dave Moore of the Kent Fire Department said.

“The exercise focuses on firefighter survival and rescue tactics,” he said.

Several exercises featured in yesterday’s course included locating and rescuing trapped firefighters on the smoke-filled second and third floors of Terrace Hall. Simulated smoke is used for that exercise, Moore said.

Firefighters face more danger today than in the past, he said. Annually, 120 firefighters die nationwide.

“Fires are hotter due to synthetic materials,” he said. “Lighter building construction causes collapses, endangering firefighters.”

If they want to do well in the exercise, Moore said the firefighters must complete the course objectives while remaining calm.

The Brimfield, Rootstown, Mantua and Kent fire departments participated in the exercise.

Moore also said the departments will use the building for more exercises within the next few months.

Contact general assignment reporter Josh Echt at [email protected].