They suit up, grab a hose and rush into a small burning building.
After soaking the fire, they all exit and pat each other on the back.
It’s just a drill, but important preparation to keep fire crews sharp. The work is just another day of live-fire training for the firefighters of Snohomish’s Fire District No. 4 and area departments.
Fire District 4’s Ray Lee Brown Fire Training Facility off of Machias Road attracts regional fire districts and government agencies alike to come use this training tower. The facility is one of the two Class A live-fire training facilities in Snohomish County, meaning it is a top grade training center.
It is one of the best facilities in Western Washington, according to Greg Osborne, Fire District 4’s training captain.
Because the facility has so much to offer, local fire districts come together with District 4 for training sessions. Every Thursday, multi-company operations are held there for local fire districts to work together.
On Monday, Nov. 23, there was live-fire training that included firefighters from four local districts working together on drills.
“It’s a big benefit to us that they have this training
facility,” Craig Clinton, the Deputy Chief for Fire District No. 7, said.
It’s good to have districts that are close in proximity training together, Clinton said, because it keeps continuity in the training and allows the firefighters to all learn procedures together.
“It’s easier to get training done because you’re sharing resources,” said Evan Adolf, the training captain for Fire District 7.