Firefighters in Blandford, Massachusetts, sharpened their vehicle-rescue skills on August 19, 2026, as they prepared for the upcoming Blandford Fair and its demolition derby events.

Blandford Fire & Rescue personnel participated in hands-on vehicle extrication training, practicing with hydraulic rescue equipment and reviewing techniques used to access occupants following serious crashes. The exercise gave firefighters an opportunity to work with rescue tools and practice vehicle stabilization and extrication in a controlled setting.

The training comes ahead of the 157th Blandford Fair, scheduled for Sept. 4–7. Demolition derby events are among the fair's featured attractions.

Blandford Fire & Rescue thanked Highway Superintendent Ray Hultay for assisting with the exercise and helping create a realistic vehicle-accident scenario. The training provided firefighters with additional hands-on experience while preparing crews for vehicle emergencies both during the fair and throughout the community.