Rescue systems training at Shoreline Fire

Rescue systems training at Shoreline Fire

By Diane Hettrick

Rescue Systems 1 training is going on this week at Shoreline Fire's Headquarters Station at N 175th and Aurora. The participants are all firefighters in King County.

Fire departments train constantly, under all kinds of conditions. The tower is used for practice in scaling multi-story buildings. Fire departments frequently cooperate with training, particularly when one has access to an empty building.

Last September, Shoreline and other departments trained using the empty Sears building. It was particularly valuable because the lower floor extends far back under the upper level of the complex. They were able to simulate situations where firefighters have to penetrate deep into a burning building. (see previous story)

They also conducted training at the Northwest Church on 15th NE before it was demolished.

In all cases, as many as five other departments joined them at the sites.

Fire departments have close, cooperative arrangements. They will respond as requested to fires in each other's territory, when extra engines are needed, or when a department is responding to another situation. They will respond when they are the closest unit and stay until the situation is resolved or the other department can take over.

(See article: Shoreline fire units assist at Edmonds fire)

What this means for citizens is seamless coverage from well-trained fire crews.