Rochester fire officials say training played a big role in keeping firefighters safe, in the moments before Wednesday night's house explosion. It's experience they're passing along now, to future firefighters.
On Illinois Street, it was the type of thing nobody wanted – or expected – to see, or hear.
“Oh yeah, we were sitting right inside,” said Mark Ryan. It was really loud and it was confusing over here. It was bad."
When the home exploded two doors down from Ryan’s house, it blew out his windows. Homes right next door got it worse. One man’s body was found in the rubble.
Rochester’s fire chief thought the tragic scene would present a perfect opportunity for Rochester Fire Department trainees to learn.
“Experience is everything in our job,” said chief Willie Jackson. “To be able to explain it from our source is important to them because they see the experience and how important experience really is."
Retired Rochester firefighter John Grieco happened to stop by the Illinois St. scene as well. He shared some pointers with recruits, based on his thirty year firefighting career.
“Here's a great opportunity to stop, and let's learn something here,” said Grieco.
Come January, these trainees will be eligible for the next Rochester fire recruiting class. Without firsthand experience, there's nothing like seeing -- and hearing.
“You never know in this job,” said Jackson. “You gotta be prepared to go 100 percent of the time."