Sixty area firefighters participated in a live burn training in Williams on Saturday, November 1, 2014.
A Fireblast Fire Simulator was brought to Williams from the Kelseyville Fire Protection District for a two-day structure fire training.
Firefighters trained in basic initial fire attack and vertical ventilation drills.
Williams Fire Chief, Jeff Gilbert said that it is a great training and recruiting opportunity for the department to have access to the trailer.
With only three burn trailers in northern California, the Williams Fire Department is ecstatic to have access to the $500,000 training tool from the Kelseyville Fire Department.
The mobile, Fireblast Fire Simulator is an advanced training tool that gives the ability to simulate structure fires in a safe and controlled environment. Unlike traditional training methods that use older/condemned homes, the Fireblast Simulator uses propane and an advanced control center allowing for greater environmental benefits and reduced water usage.
“The training not only allows for the burn simulation; it enables the different agencies to work together and learn how to communicate efficiently,” said Gilbert.
Agencies participating in the weekend event included the Williams Fire, Colusa City Fire, Meridian Fire, Dunnigan Fire, Knights Landing Fire, and Cal Fire units from Wilbur, Leesville, Brooks, and Napa.
“Funding for the training and use of the trailer is made through the FEMA SAFER grant,” said Gilbert.
