Enhanced Sisters training site in use

The Sisters-Camp Sherman RFPD has recently made upgrades to its Locust Street training site in Sisters allowing firefighters a safe place to train. The property, located on South Locust Street near the City of Sisters sewer treatment plant, is approximately four acres and was acquired in 2013 through an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Sisters.

As part of the long-range site plan filed with the City, the District has completed several improvements. The property was cleaned up and dead trees removed, new screening trees were planted, a shielding berm was installed, and most recently one of the four acres was paved with asphalt.

For years, fire district personnel have trained either in the back lot of the fire station or in outlying areas of the city such as the industrial park or Pine Meadow Ranch area. However, those areas have become increasingly difficult to use because of increased development and traffic.

Fire Chief Roger Johnson said, "It's important for us to have a training location that is close to town and safe for firefighters and the public. This site fulfills both requirements."

Firefighters participating in training exercises must maintain their availability to respond to actual emergencies at any time. The Locust Street site is close to town and will provide for rapid response to 911 calls when emergencies occur. The location of the training site also allows for mutual-aid agencies such as Black Butte Ranch Fire District and Cloverdale Fire District to participate in multi-agency training.

Training props designed to simulate a building's roof and floor system are located at the site, which allows firefighters to practice cutting holes in roofs and floors. Future plans for the site include adding a small structure to conduct live-fire training exercises and adding a fire hydrant to the property. Having the ability to train with live fire in a controlled environment is critical for firefighters.

In the past, homes were often donated to the fire department for training. With rising property values many of the homes that were once donated are now being remodeled.

The training site will also be used to conduct driver training and automobile extrication courses.