SFID lends buildings to firefighters

On May 9 and 10, firefighters from Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar, Solana Beach and Encinitas participated in live fire training on two old buildings at the Santa Fe Irrigation District property on Linea Del Cielo. The demonstration allowed firefighters to experience a situation more realistic than what could be produced in a training tower.

The buildings, an aging office and a caretaker’s cottage, were scheduled for demolition. The fires and demolition will make room for new district buildings.

“This is a collaborative effort that will improve the capabilities of our regional firefighting agencies,” said Michael Bardin, general manager of the SFID, in a news release. “We are pleased to be involved in this worthwhile program.”

During the exercises, theatrical smoke was used to mimic actual fire conditions while firefighters complete their training. Live fires were lit and then extinguished.

“This is great opportunity for us,” said Bret A. Davidson, battalion chief of RSF Fire. “We have acquired equipment that helps firefighters see through smoke and find people trapped in burning buildings. These structures allow us to conduct training under controlled circumstances so that when the time comes, we will better able to not only save structures but save lives.”

The other agencies participating in the training exercise included Carlsbad, Encinitas and Solana Beach Fire Departments.