Planning a teardown? Seattle Fire Department suggests an alternative

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(2013 WSB photo by Nick Adams – firefighter training at to-be-demolished property by Lowman Beach)

Planning to demolish a house soon? Let the Seattle Fire Department have at it first! They’re looking for to-be-demolished houses for an upcoming round of training. Here’s the announcement:

The Seattle Fire Department is actively looking for single-family dwellings scheduled for demolition to help secure live-fire training for our newest Seattle firefighters on May 3-6, 2021. We are also open to discussing the use of duplex and apartment buildings on a case-by-case basis. The project must have a demolition permit in hand, and the owner would need to allow access to the structure a week ahead of the training for set-up.

If interested, please fill out our intake form online and email it to SFD_inservicetraining@seattle.gov. Questions can also be directed to this email address.

Live-fire training is an opportunity for our new fire recruits to work with our company officers and face real fire scenarios in a controlled setting. This experience is vital to the development of new recruits, as these fires act as a final evaluation of what they have learned over the past 12 weeks of training. The training focuses on fire attack, teamwork and communication.

Al King March 28, 2021 (4:48 pm)

Are they still burning houses for training?. Watched them do that many years ago-early ’90’s in the Morgan Junction.

ER March 28, 2021 (8:27 pm)

Hello Al! Yes, we still do training burns in acquired structures whenever possible. While we have the ability to use our burn props at the training center and also some at the state fire academy, nothing beats preparing for the real thing than being presented with mock situations in an environment that’s as close to real as it can get.As always, thank you for supporting your fire department.

pat davis March 28, 2021 (8:35 pm)

ABSOLUTELY NO !! Did you know that wood smoke (eg: just tree wood) is 12 TIMES more toxic than a cigarette? (EPA, 1991) We all know you can die from even second hand smoke. Burning a HOUSE … has paint burning, solvents from flooring, and an endless list of toxins that you should never breathe! Do not offer your house up to poison the air of our neighbors, their children, perhaps pregnant women/babies. Ridiculous! Poison air: POISON !

pupsaresbest March 28, 2021 (10:04 pm)

Every point you make is valid and accurate, but will fall on the deaf ears of tradition.
Thank you for trying. 👍🏻
S2k March 28, 2021 (11:17 pm)

Are you even planning a teardown?
AJP March 29, 2021 (1:01 pm)

It’s one house, maybe once a year. And it trains them in a real-world scenario to be able to save your life if your house has a fire.
lowmanbeachdrive March 29, 2021 (3:23 pm)

Good point, Pat. I was not aware of this and I’m glad you brought it up. Maybe there should be restrictions so there is more of a win/win. SFD gets practice, but humans and their pets are protected. Compromise. Fortunately, we live in a progressive area where tradition doesn’t dictate future. We can learn and grow.
EJ March 29, 2021 (7:37 pm)

So, you would rather they show up to your accidental house fire with no live fire training or experience? We do more damage to ourselves and to the environment by eating a fish caught by the commercial fishing industry than one house fire will do to your neighborhood and lungs. Seaspiracy. Watch it and imagine that there is an equivalent documentary about pigs, cows, chickens, etc… y’all can eat what you want… different topic… but I’ll take a firefighter with live fire experience please! I’m not demolishing so can’t offer my house but I’m keeping this in mind if it ever comes up!

Al King March 29, 2021 (6:58 am)

ER. Agree, live fire training is the best training. To the other commenters. HUH??? VAST majority of fires are ACCIDENTS . What do you want to happen? Oh, i get it you’ll sue for environmental damage. Victim shaming.

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