CHIMACUM — East Jefferson Fire Rescue firefighters conducted live structure fire training on a cabin at Lake Gibbs in Chimacum on Wednesday.
Sixteen career firefighters and ten volunteers took part in the training, according to an East Jefferson Fire Rescue (EJFR) press release.
“Over the course of two hours, crews performed multiple evolutions of firefighter entry and extinguishment of localized fires with handheld attack lines,” said Robert Wittenberg, EJFR’s community risk manager. “These actions are integral in the training for an offensive fire attack where firefighters enter the interior to fight the fire. Each evolution from ignition to extinguishment took only a few minutes, with time to reset between evolutions.”
The training focused both on interior and exterior firefighting techniques.
“We were able to get three different crews to rotate through three different burn sites within the building,” Wittenberg said. “On an actual structure fire, you get just the one opportunity.”
The training maintained compliance with National Fire Protection Association 1403, which ensures safety during live fire training, both for participants and surrounding environments, according to the release.
In the days leading up to the training event, the building was prepared for the burn, the release said.
The building was stripped of excess furnishings and fixtures, utilities were disconnected, and the building was certified to be cleared of hazardous materials.
“The metal roofing materials were removed, exposing the wood roof sheathing below,” Wittenberg said. “Windows were boarded up from the interior to prevent windows from shattering due to high heat exposures. A secondary exit for use in case of an emergency was clearly marked. Three separate burn areas were established within the rooms of the structure and fitted with wooden pallets that would be ignited one at a time.”
The removal of the non-combustible metal roof was in keeping with an efficient path towards the ultimate objective of the outing, demolishing the building, Wittenberg said.
Before beginning the exercises, a safety walkthrough was performed.
“Lastly, the windows of the building were cleared of obstructions, more palettes were loaded and ignited,” Wittenberg said. “This time the fire was allowed to grow in the interior and quickly involve the entire structure. Crews performed a defensive strategy with hose lines around the exterior of the building, protecting nearby trees from ignition due to the intense heat.”
Located on the east side of the lake, the 1949 built cabin was formerly occupied by a caretaker until late last year,
A county-owned structure, Jefferson County Parks and Recreation was hoping to demolish the structure and clear the area to provide additional recreation access to the public.
Partnering with EJFR fulfilled the county’s desire for demolition of the structure while saving significant costs.
“The opportunity to hold live fire training doesn’t happen very often,” Wittenberg said. “EJFR is very thankful to Jefferson County Parks and Recreation for providing this rare opportunity. No injuries were reported during the training event.”
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Reporter Elijah Sussman can reached by email at elijah.sussman@sequimgazette.com.
