Information provided by Seattle Fire Department

The Seattle Fire Department will be training brand new firefighters at a vacant home in the Crown Hill neighborhood of Ballard.

Starting Tuesday April 28th and continuing through Friday May 1, 2015, training officers and fire recruits will be practicing firefighting skills at a home located at 2019 NW 64th Street. During these dates, residents will notice an increase in the number of fire apparatus parked on the street.

The live fire training is an opportunity for the recruits to face real fire scenarios in a controlled setting. This essential experience prepares the newest members of the Department for the risks and challenges of fighting a house fire. The skills they learn will benefit the citizens of Seattle by better preparing the members in essential life and property protection skills.

Residents should prepare to see smoke at times as controlled burns are set at the vacant structure. All carpet, plastics and toxic synthetic materials has been removed from the home prior to the burns. Also, asbestos abatement will have been completed. The training officers will be setting wood fires in a controlled fashion with safety officers on hand during the exercises. This training is being conducted under the strict regulations and rules of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.

Residents are welcome to come and watch the live training. Typical training days start at 10 a.m. and last until approximately 5 p.m.