Smoke Caused by Firefighter Training Blocking Vision of Drivers on McKinleyville Avenue

CHP Watch » Saturday, April 23, 2016

Smoke Caused by Firefighter Training Blocking Vision of Drivers on McKinleyville Avenue

Photo Provided by Stoney Times.

Smoke pouring from a training burn inside a McKinleyville structure is wafting into the roadway and impairing drivers at the intersection of McKinleyville Ave. and Chance Lane.

The California Highway Patrol has been dispatched to perform traffic control in the area.

The Arcata Fire District, Humboldt Bay Fire, Fieldbrook Volunteer Fire, and Blue Lake Volunteer Fire area ll participating in the training.

Read more about the training session in this Arcata Fire District Press Release:

Arcata Fire District Will Train with Live Fire

McKinelyville, CA- (April 23, 2016)- On Saturday, April 23, 2016, Arcata Fire District will be conducting joint training with Blue Lake Fire District, Fieldbrook Fire District, and Humboldt Bay Fire on the structure at 2200 McKinleyville Ave. From approximately 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM firefighters will conduct a live fire training burn where firefighters will be extinguishing room size fires inside the structure. The objective of the live fire burn training is as follows:

 Train new firefighters in basic fire control techniques while practicing communications and teamwork

 Evaluate interoperability between mutual aid agencies

 Review basic fire behavior and teach science of firefighting

 Practice hose advancement and fire control techniques

“Training burns are a valuable tool in teaching our firefighters the ability to read smoke and fire and to use proper techniques for fire extinguishment” said Assistant Chief, Sean Campbell. “Obtaining experience in real fire situations is very difficult and a training burn is a valuable way for firefighters to practice live fire training and life-saving rescue techniques under fire condition.” Campbell continues.

During the training exercise Arcata Fire District will have additional staffing for a reserve engine so our on duty crews will be available to continue to respond on calls. The site may continue to smoke for a few days after this event. Firefighters and the property owner will be monitoring the site regularly until ashes are cold. There is no need to call 911 if smoke is seen coming from the debris pile where the building was located. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Assistant Chief Sean Campbell at 825-2000.

Photo Provided by Arcata Fire District.