The Norfolk County Fire Department is continuing to build its emergency response capabilities through specialized training, including a recent night-time search and rescue exercise in the Turkey Point area.
The training scenario simulated a missing hiker in a wooded environment, with 25 firefighters from headquarters staff and Station 11 in Vittoria taking part. Crews worked in low-visibility conditions, deploying both aerial and ground search techniques to locate the subject.
Drone technology equipped with thermal imaging played a key role in the exercise, allowing teams to scan large areas from above while ground crews navigated dense and uneven terrain. The focus was on improving coordination between air and ground units, as well as reinforcing safe operations in challenging nighttime conditions.
Officials say the exercise was successful, with crews locating the simulated subject and meeting training objectives. The department also acknowledged the support of Ontario Parks staff and emphasized that ongoing training is essential to ensuring firefighters are prepared to respond effectively, day or night.
