Training Prop

Some of you may have noticed the odd looking contraption behind Station 51 on Silverdale Way …. Crews have been training this week on “vertical ventilation operations” using a prop loaned to us by the State Fire Marshal’s Office, through the Washington State Patrol. Firefighters are able to “adjust the roof” so that they can practice ventilation (cutting holes) on a shallow pitch, which is walkable, or a steep pitch that requires the assistance of a ladder to move around safely. Why do we do vertical ventilation? To make the environment safer for the firefighters and any occupants in the building. Heat and smoke rise and ventilating helps alleviate the pressure and increases visibility inside.