On October 23, 2007, while training at the smoke house facility, a Deputy Chief detonated a smoke grenade (approved for use by the Fire Chief and another Deputy Chief). The smoke grenade turned out to be tear gas (CS M7A3). 19 firefighters were injured. 2 required hospitalization. The Board of fire Engineers admitted they didn't know what they were using and thought it was a smoke grenade, even thought the container was clearly marked "GRENADE, HAND, RIOT, CS, M7A3" in red with a red stripe. One Deputy Chief said all the canisters looked the same. Just like buying milk at the market. Just different colors. The board of engineers later responded that they didn't need to apologize to anyone because they didn't make any mistakes. LESSONS LEARNED: Always where your SCBA for any smoke house training, even if you are outside the building. Also, ask what is going to be used by training officers so you can get a look at it. Pressure your town to hire a fire chief and/or deputies that are trained in firefighting. Not just a town citizen that wants to be chief.

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