Volunteer Fair Haven firefighters during a smoke exercise Monday night. Below, the head of a mannequin used in the demonstration became separated from its body. (Click to enlarge)

By DUSTIN RACIOPPI

Fair Haven firefighters got a dose of action last night in a simulated fire at a vacant Harrison Avenue home.

About 30 volunteers spent three hours running an assortment of drills at the home, which is slated to be torn down, said chief Jim Cerruti.

The department brushed up on its basic firefighting and search and rescue skills using fake smoke to fill the home and a mannequin to act as an unconscious victim, Cerruti said.

“They go in as realistic conditions as you can get,” he said.

The volunteers get to practice in this kind of setting about twice a year, Cerruti said. Often a home that is to be demolished will be made available to the department for a day of practice.

“It’s great when we can do this sort of stuff because it gives the guys some real hands-on experience,” Cerruti said. “It’s how we keep them sharp.”