Fire Investigation Certification

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.

On May 25, Chief Aaron 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.