Marion County Fire District #1 Plans Firefighter Training
Salem, Oregon – On Saturday, June 16, 2012 Marion County Fire District No. 1 will be conducting firefighting training at a vacant structure located at 4605 Lancaster Drive NE in Salem, Oregon.
The training will concentrate on combating residential structure fires and will involve multiple firefighting forces, including command staff, fire engines, a medic, and mobile water supply units. This live-fire training, also known as a “Burn to Learn”, is designed to provide realistic interior firefighting conditions for firefighters and is conducted in accordance with strict safety guidelines.
Training objectives include fire ground safety, communication, firefighting strategy and tactics, ventilation, and fire suppression. When the interior fire training drills are completed, the house will be allowed to burn in a controlled and safe manner with fire crews on scene and in control.
During the fire training activity, other crews will remain available throughout the District to respond to emergencies. A travel lane reduction is planned for Lancaster Drive NE just south of Hayesville Drive beginning at 6:00am and lasting until about 12:00pm. Traffic will still be able to travel through the area but some congestion in the southbound lanes should be expected but should be brief.
Residential fires represent approximately 80% of the structural fires that firefighters respond to each year. These fires also account for the majority of civilian deaths and injuries, as well as the majority of firefighter injuries. Kitchen fires, heating equipment, and careless smoking are leading causes of residential structure fires and are both predicable and preventable.
Marion County Fire District 1 reminds everyone to take responsible action in preventing fires and planning ahead for your safety. One of the best ways to protect yourself and your family is to install, maintain, and test smoke alarms in your home. A working smoke alarm greatly reduces your chances of dying in a fire. Make and practice a home fire escape plan and set a meeting place outside. Once you are outside it is important that everyone remains outside. Be sure everyone in your family knows at least two escape routes from their bedrooms.
News Release from: Willamette Valley Fire & Rescue Authority