Fire departments train on controlled house burnings

La Conner Fire Department volunteer firefighters conducted a series of controlled house burn trainings along with Fire Districts 2, 13, 27 and Whatcom County fire marshals in the Pleasant Ridge neighborhood just outside of La Conner on May 22 and 25. Fire District staffs will perform a live burn on June 10, restricted to professional firefighters. Controlled burns are only permitted and performed under strict supervision.

The first practice burn took place May 22 and was staged in the top floor bedroom using potential fire hazards such as a bed and bedding, firecrackers and carnosine. The situation provided local firefighters with valuable hands-on experience controlling a live fire La Conner. Fire Department Chief Aaron Reinstra supervised while managing water control and Fire District 13 Fire Marshal Duane Dent monitored smoke and heat. That small intentional fire generated black smoke as dust and debris took flame, then it was doused creating white billowing smoke that fluted through the north and south facing window frames, leaving them perfectly charred and ready for the next controlled burn practice. A thermal detector tracked the level of heat each fire reached and to assure it replicated the temperature of a real life situation. When the six-team members took off their tanks and gear to reveal their reddened complexions, it illustrated that even a practiced controlled fire has its dangers.

On May 25 Reinstra and volunteer firefighter Natalie Baker hosted, with Burlington Fire Marshal Annie Avery and fire marshals from Whatcom County, a unique fire skills training at the old Hedlund house on Pleasant Ridge. The morning-long test was one of many that firefighters must take to achieve a Fire Investigation Certification.

The test took place in the freshly cindered second-floor bedroom where controlled burns took place earlier that week. The hosts tested trainees by acting as victims and witnesses to the burn. In turn, trainees had to ask them a series of questions as part of the coursework and then gathered evidence on how the fire may have started. They also examined the burning patterns in the room, furniture, walls and windows to deduce the entire burn scenario.

This fire investigation certification training was a rare opportunity for learning and facilitated a genuine cooperation between regional firefighters and their departments. The departments extend their whole-hearted thanks to the Hedlund family for offering a life-size object for practice.

Banaszak is a La Conner Firefighter Association member.