AFD holds public fire demonstration, speaks on challenges
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Gossett & Co. hosted a public fire demonstration Saturday in collaboration with the Austin Fire Department.
Attendees witnessed a replicated fire emergency scenario, with Austin firefighters breaching, clearing and hosing down the surrounding areas. Following the demonstration, organizers dove into the challenges that occur, the training behind it all, as well as the motivation for their service.
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Austin Firefighters exiting house after hosing it with water and clearing it in Austin, Texas, on May 31, 2025. (KXAN Photo) -
Austin Firefighters answering attendees questions post-fire demonstration in Austin, Texas, on May 31, 2025. (KXAN Photo) -
Audience taking photos during the demonstration in Austin, Texas, on May 31, 2025. (KXAN Photo) -
Austin firefighter spraying water during demonstration in Austin, Texas, on May 31, 2025. (KXAN Photo)
Jared Gossett, CEO of Gossett & Co., developed the house fire demonstrations for when they’re preparing to demolish a house. Gossett detailed how it involved AFD to display emergency situations to the community and why these demonstrations are important to both.
“We’ve talked to the fire chief multiple times about this, and for him, they don’t have a ton of opportunities to use actual houses for their training,” said Gossett. “For them, it’s a unique opportunity–for us, it’s a nice way to get the community involved to see what Austin fires up to.”
AFD Lieutenant Antwaine Hobbs assisted with the demonstration that took place. Hobbs stated that although they train in their isolated exercises, these events give insight into real fires.
“When we’re at the fire station, we’re not just there–we’re training … then we get opportunities like these,” said Hobbs, “Being able to get a rep in a real structure breaks us away from the fixed training structures … being able to do it in different types of structures, that’s more of a realistic point of view.”
Those interested in these events can subscribe to Gossett & Co.’s newsletter or find information on their Instagram.
