Bend FD structural fire training drill Wednesday in Tumalo

Bend Fire & Rescue will be conducting a live fire training exercise in Tumalo on Wednesday, burning a structure donated to the department for training.

The purpose of this exercise is to provide the most realistic training environment for our firefighters by using a structure scheduled to be demolished and burning it in carefully controlled phases during the course of the exercise. The structure that will be burned meets safety and environmental criteria.

Residents should expect to see smoke and flames near Tumalo Reservoir Road and Pinehurst Road on Wednesday. The exercise will begin at approximately 9:00 am, and will conclude by early evening. An engine crew will periodically return to monitor the site for several hours after the conclusion of the training.

This exercise is the culmination of many weeks of training for 9 new Bend firefighter/paramedics, as well as a joint training exercise with other agencies.

Citizens with questions should contact Bend Fire & Rescue at 541 322-6309.