Hillsboro Fire Conducts Live-Fire Training Exercise

HILLSBORO, OR – If you see smoke around Southeast 75th Avenue today, it could be on purpose.

Hillsboro Fire Department crews are training Wednesday, March 22, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. by burning a house at 2990 S.E. 75th Ave. in Hillsboro.

The “Burn-to-Learn” exercise gives Hillsboro firefighters live training in a residential structure, fire officials said, providing valuable experience to the city’s newly hired recruits and the department’s veteran and volunteers.

Small fires, set one at a time, will be set inside the house, officials said, adding that the drill will be supervised and conducted in accordance with the city’s set safety guidelines.

"Live fire training exercises are especially valuable for Hillsboro Fire & Rescue's newest firefighters by allowing them to witness fire behavior and smoke conditions in a burning structure," said HFD Training Officer Jeff Gurske. By training with a controlled burn, Gurske explained, "firefighters are able to learn the capabilities of their equipment and apply tactics in a controlled environment."

After the interior training, the home –– which was donated by the owner –– will be allowed to burn completely. Crews will remain on scene until all flames have been extinguished, officials said.

Travel along Southeast 75th Avenue, from Southeast Tualatin Valley Highway to Southeast Johnson Street, will be restricted until 5 p.m.

For more information about the HFD’s Burn-to-Learn training, or to donate a house for a future training exercise, contact Gurske at 503-681-3903.

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