Rural Metro Fire Department hosted a successful "live" fire training event on Murphy Creek Road this past weekend.
After approximately two months of preparation on a donated structure slated for demolition, firefighters from several agencies gathered at the location Saturday to learn more about the science and behavior of fire, water supply, hose management techniques, and the principles of ventilation and air flow paths.
For nearly a dozen firefighters, this was their first "live" fire training exercise.
Despite the rain and muddy conditions, crews completed the training successfully and the building was left to burn completely. The end result was a reduced amount of material left to clean up by the property owner prior to starting improvements.
Before the final ignition, an American Flag Retirement Ceremony was conducted for more than 85 flags collected from the community over the past couple of weeks. The ceremony included a few words by one of the chief officers, the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence as six firefighters walked final flags into the center of the building to join the other flags in their final resting place.
Agencies participating in the event included Grants Pass Fire & Rescue, Illinois Valley Fire District, Applegate Valley Fire District, Jackson County Fire District #5, Williams and Wolf Creek Fire Protection Districts, Glendale Fire District and the Oregon State Fire Marshal. A number of neighbors and citizens were also on hand.
