Fighting fires has changes a lot in the past twenty years, from the procedures, to the equipment used.


Although Erie was far away from New York City. Many local fire fighters including volunteers were prepared to head to New York City if they needed extra support.

Local volunteer fire fighters said they didn't know if they would get called to help around the country, let alone where they would go, but they were ready.

Since September 11, there's also lots of new procedures they need to follow to be prepared.

Kip Hayford, the Fire Chief of Perry Hi-Way Hose Company said, "The training that's required since 9/11 with the hazmat and the WMD stuff, the terrorists stuff, the law enforcement, more agency cooperation, working together and training, it's not when it happens, it's if it happens and things and that nature."