Brighton Fire Department Participates in Massive Emergency Preparedness Exercise

Submitted by Michael O'Brian, Brighton Area Fire Authority Fire Chief 

The Brighton Area Fire Department along with four other Livingston County Fire Departments took place in a state-wide functional exercise.  

The exercise was part of a strategic planning process of the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) of Michigan. Livingston County also known as division 3101 was responsible for responding to a simulated event at the Suburban Showplace with a five engine strike team.  

Engines from Brighton, Howell, Harland, Hamburg and Green Oak responded with a chief officer from Hartland and Brighton.

In total, the exercise dispatched 14 divisions across the State, which translates into 70 Fire Engines, 14 Chief Officers with Assistants, for a total of 308 personnel.  

Only four divisions responded to Novi which is one of the first exercises of this magnitude in Michigan.  

The exercise was intended to test our response and capabilities to mobilize large numbers of fire apparatus across the state.

We learned a lot about the logistics and communication needs of moving this many apparatus. It is evident that this exercise is one more method in ensuring that Michigan's Fire Service is prepared and ready to respond to the communities needs.