'Controlled Burn' Details Of Five Ponds Clubhouse Unveiled In Warminster

WARMINSTER, PA — Sometime next month, the former clubhouse at the Five Ponds Golf Course is expected to be on fire.

Following concerns raised by residents in the townhomes around the golf course clubhouse and a meeting on Tuesday night, township officials have disclosed details about the "controlled burn."

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The Warminster Township Fire Companies will conduct live fire training exercises at the former clubhouse at the Five Ponds Golf Course at 1225 W Street Road from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 25.

Before the burn, the structure will be inspected and prepared to meet all regulatory requirements, including the removal of all chemicals, pressure-treated materials, furnishings, and appliances.

The training will be conducted in partnership with the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy and will involve the "controlled ignition and suppression of fires within the structure," the Warminster Township Fire Department said.

"Live fire training of this nature is an essential component of firefighter preparedness and directly contributes to the safety of our community during actual emergencies," fire officials said.

Officials said the "controlled burn" will be a 16-hour live fire training evolution conducted in strict accordance with NFPA 1403 - Standard on Live Fire Training Evolutions, under the direct supervision of PSFA-credentialed live fire instructors.

All operations are subject to approval by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), including an asbestos inspection and open burning exception application submitted in advance of the event.

Ember hazard mitigation measures will be in place throughout the event, and water runoff will be actively managed to protect the surrounding environment.

What residents should expect:

• Fire and smoke will be visible at and around the clubhouse throughout the day.
• Multiple fire apparatus and emergency vehicles will be staged in the area.
• Street Road will remain open and unaffected by training operations.
• Residents of Five Ponds Circle will maintain uninterrupted access to their neighborhood throughout the duration of the event.
• Access restrictions will apply to the clubhouse and golf course grounds only.

Weather Contingency Plans

The township's fire companies will monitor wind direction, wind speed, relative humidity, and atmospheric stability prior to and throughout the event.

The burn will proceed only when atmospheric conditions are favorable to minimize or eliminate smoke from affecting adjoining residential neighborhoods.

Should conditions be deemed unsuitable, the event will be cancelled, fire officials said.

Anyone with questions or concerns should contact John Mahon, Deputy Fire Chief of the Warminster Fire Department at jmahon@warminsterfd.org. or Joe Velten, the township's fire marshal at jvelten@warminsterpa.org.