OIFR seeks community properties for firefighter training

||| FROM BEN LUNA for ORCAS ISLAND FIRE & RESCUE |||

Orcas Island Fire & Rescue (OIFR) is looking for properties and structures to use for firefighter training. Whether you have a new construction project, an old building scheduled for demolition, or even an open field, we can use it to train our firefighters in real-world conditions.

Why This Matters: Training in actual structures gives our firefighters invaluable hands-on experience they can’t get anywhere else on the island. These real-world training opportunities help our team stay sharp and better protect our community when emergencies happen.

Three Types of Training: We offer flexible training options based on your needs and timeline:

• Walk-Through Training: No damage to your property. Firefighters simply tour construction
  sites to understand how buildings are built, or practice basic skills like ladder placement.
• Skills Training: Realistic practice that may cause some damage to structures already scheduled
  for demolition. This includes practicing ventilation, search and rescue, and emergency entry
  techniques.
• Live-Fire Training: Controlled fire training conducted only in residential buildings following strict safety standards. These buildings are rarely "burned down" – instead, small, controlled fires help firefighters practice suppression techniques safely.

Flexible Scheduling: We work around your project timeline and never cause delays. Some properties allow training for just a day, others for weeks – we adapt to what works for you.

How to Help: If you have a property that could benefit our training program, please contact OIFR. You’ll be providing our firefighters with essential skills training while giving your building one final community service.

For more information, please contact Division Chief Sam Fowler, sfowler@orcasfire.org 360-376-2331.