AIKEN, S.C. – Savannah River Site Fire Department (SRSFD) had the privilege of hosting Fire Chiefs from organizations across the Department of Energy’s complex for a three-day visit to SRS. This benchmarking opportunity aimed to share knowledge, compare best practices, and seek out improvements to bolster the efficiency of our fire safety measures across the board. Fire Chiefs from the Idaho National Laboratory, Pantex, Y-12 National Security Complex, Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Fermilab were in attendance.
SRSFD led a tour of its fire stations allowing attendees to see the cutting-edge equipment utilized at SRS. The tour provided valuable insights into the unique challenges and safety measures SRSFD has in place to protect the Site and the surrounding community, highlighted specific uses and functionalities of gear and emphasized operational readiness. Additionally, Emergency Management personnel provided a tour of SRS’ Emergency Operations Center, offering Fire Chiefs further insights into the Site’s comprehensive emergency response strategies and coordination efforts.
into SRSFD’s facilities, equipment and training.
Fire Chiefs also observed SRSFD’s live burn training exercise in Aiken, South Carolina. This provided them with a firsthand look at the Site’s rigorous training protocols, designed to create realistic and effective training environments.
According to SRSFD Fire Chief Travis Scott, “The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, underscoring the importance of continuous, hands-on training to maintain high levels of readiness and operational excellence among firefighters.”
The primary objective of the visit was to benchmark and discuss common challenges and innovative practices within the field. Topics included staffing levels, baseline needs assessments and common training programs, all aimed at standardizing and enhancing response capabilities. The discussions also delved into the unique risks associated with electric vehicles and strategies to mitigate these hazards effectively.
Additionally, Fire Chiefs explored various ways to streamline the qualification and certification process for DOE firefighters, ensuring uniform standards across the board. Another critical topic was fleet standardization, which emphasized the compatibility and interoperability of vehicles and equipment across different sites. They also evaluated the transition from the National Fire Incident Reporting System to the National Emergency Response Information System software to improve data management and reporting efficiency. Updates to the National Fire Protection Association codes were also discussed, along with strategies to mitigate heat stress and enhance firefighter health and safety. The visit concluded with reviews of effective drills and exercise routines, highlighting the importance of maintaining high preparedness levels.
“Gathering with Fire Chiefs from the DOE complex has been invaluable,” stated Scott. “The opportunity to share insights, collaborate on common challenges and benchmark our practices strengthens our capabilities and fosters a unified approach to fire safety and emergency response. This visit reaffirms our commitment to continuous improvement and ensures we remain at the forefront of operational readiness and firefighter safety. Additionally, it has fortified our network of fire safety leaders and promises to enhance our collective ability to safeguard lives and property.”
Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, a Fluor and HII partnership company, is responsible for the management and operations of the Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site, located near Aiken, South Carolina.
SRNS-2025-1689