A house at 6441 Portal Way will be the scene of live fire training exercises for Whatcom County Fire District 7 (WCFD7) firefighters tomorrow and Friday, April 11th and 12th.
Setting fire to a house and then walking volunteer and career firefighters through the process of locating and knocking down the fire is the best training available according to WCFD7 Division Chief Justin Iverson.
Scene of a live fire exercise at a house in the 1500 block of Main Street (June 22, 2018). Photo: My Ferndale News 
Scene of a live fire exercise at a house in the 1500 block of Main Street (June 22, 2018). Photo: My Ferndale News 
Scene of a live fire exercise at a house in the 1500 block of Main Street (June 22, 2018). Photo: My Ferndale News 
Scene of a live fire exercise at a house in the 1500 block of Main Street (June 22, 2018). Photo: My Ferndale News 
Scene of a live fire exercise at a house in the 1500 block of Main Street (June 22, 2018). Photo: My Ferndale News 
Scene of a live fire exercise at a house in the 1500 block of Main Street (June 22, 2018). Photo: My Ferndale News 
Scene of a live fire exercise at a house in the 1500 block of Main Street (June 22, 2018). Photo: My Ferndale News 
Scene of a live fire exercise at a house in the 1500 block of Main Street (June 22, 2018). Photo: My Ferndale News 
Scene of a live fire exercise at a house in the 1500 block of Main Street (June 22, 2018). Photo: My Ferndale News
Instead of demolishing buildings, some homeowners will donate them to WCFD7 to be used for live fire training. If the buildings are structurally sound, they are welcome donations, Iverson said.
On the days of the controlled burn, several fires will be lit in and around the building providing several opportunities for firefighters to learn different strategies and scenarios. A final fire on Friday will be allowed to consume the building.
Signs will be set by the roadside alerting passersby that these will be controlled burns.