Sisters firefighters plan live exercise

The Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District (SCSFD) plans to conduct live fire training exercises on Saturday, December 30, and Saturday, January 6, 2024 on the U.S. Forest Service compound in Sisters. The compound is located at 201 N. Pine St.

According to Fire District officials, the exercise will provide invaluable training to firefighters using live fire. The buildings are being burned as the Sisters Ranger District begins construction of its new headquarters facility on the property.

District firefighters will be practicing search and rescue skills along with fire attack, ventilation, and exposure protection activities.

“We wish to thank the community in advance for their support in this training exercise.

Successful prevention efforts and modern fire codes have created fewer opportunities for our firefighters to gain live fire experience with structure fires, so this type of training is invaluable,” said Tim Craig, deputy chief and training officer for SCSFD.

Smoke from the burn will be kept to a minimum when possible, but the District asks that area residents and businesses keep their windows closed during the exercises. During the exercise smoke may drift out onto Highway 20, causing reduced visibility. Drivers are advised to use caution. Fire personnel and apparatus will remain on scene throughout the afternoon and into the evening to monitor any continued burning, and all fire will be extinguished by Monday, January 1 in the first case, and Monday, January 8, in the second.

There will be activity during the days leading up to the live fire dates, and fire personnel will be on and off the site throughout that time for training and preparation.

Safety and control are the primary concerns at this training, Deputy Chief Craig reported. Extra equipment and trained personnel will be on scene at all times. For more information call 541-549-0771.