Belville to host public safety training exercise on Blackwell Road

BELVILLE, NC (WWAY) — The Town of Belville is partnering with local and county emergency response agencies to conduct public safety training exercises this weekend at town-owned properties on Blackwell Road.

Town officials said the controlled training event is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 16.

According to the town, the exercises are designed to provide hands-on training opportunities for fire, rescue and law enforcement personnel in a controlled environment. Structures on the properties will be used for fire suppression, rescue operations and law enforcement response scenarios, including a live burn exercise.

Belville Mayor Pro Tem Ryan Merrill, who also serves as director of fire/rescue and in-service law enforcement education at Brunswick Community College, helped coordinate the training effort.

“The training opportunities over the last month have allowed our fire, rescue, law enforcement, and emergency response personnel to work together in a realistic environment that strengthens coordination, communication, and operational readiness,” Merrill said in a statement.

Mayor Chuck Bost and the town’s Board of Commissioners approved the use of the buildings for the training exercises.

Town officials said nearby residents and businesses may notice emergency vehicles, smoke, fire and training operations for several hours Saturday. Officials emphasized that the activity is planned training and does not pose a threat to public safety.

“We’re very happy to make these facilities available to local emergency response teams for use in their training,” Bost said in a statement.

Officials said the exercises are intended to improve coordination, communication and decision-making among first responders during emergency situations.