Roanoke Rapids firefighters and members of Roanoke Valley Rescue Squad used a mobile unit at the former Manning Elementary School site this afternoon to practice vertical ventilation on its roof.

The drills aid in removing heat and smoke from structures and aid in rescue efforts, Deputy Chief Mike Clements said.

The firefighters used old classrooms and the cafeteria to practice positive pressure ventilation, which draws out smoke by pressurizing each room.

Clements said the drills were made possible by the school system and Rightmyer Machine Rentals.