A Schedule Burn
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 on May 22, and was staged in the top floor bedroom using potential fire hazards, firecrackers, and carnosine. The situation provided several local firefighters with valuable hands-on experience controlling a live fire overseen by La Conner Fire Department Chief Aaron Reinstra managing water control and Fire District 13 Fire Marshal Duane Dent monitoring 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 emerged from the house and took off their tanks and gear, their reddened complexions and sweaty heads illustrated that even a practiced controlled fire has its dangers.
