Crime & Safety

Firefighters Train at Willard Avenue House

Firefighters and rescue workers will be training at a house on Willard Avenue through around July 17, but there'll be no fire, and only fake smoke will be used.

If you see firefighters and firetrucks—and even a little smoke—hovering around a single-family house on Willard Avenue in Friendship Heights this month, don't be alarmed.

The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service is using the house for training, through about July 17, 2013. Firefighters and rescue workers may be training on the property at any time between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., according to a letter from Fire Chief Steve Lohr.

"We are grateful to the homeowner for allowing us to use this house to train ... and for the community for working with us in this training endeavor," Lohr wrote.

Crews will be training in a "realistic environment," but there won't be any real smoke or flames, according to the letter.

Here's what Chief Lohr said about the training:

  • No materials will be burned, and neither the house nor its contents will be burned.  
  • There might be use of non-toxic, theatrical smoke for some exercises.
  • All roadways will be completely passable at all times (there will be no road closures associated with the training).
  • While training is occurring, fire department vehicles will be parked primarily on Willard Avenue directly in front of or across the street from the house. We will make every attempt to minimize the impact on both through as well as neighborhood traffic. 
  • Neighbors will see uniformed fire and rescue personnel as well as firefighters in firefighting or hazardous materials protective gear.
  • There might be some noise associated with the training, but it should be no louder than lawn care or construction noises that are familiar to the neighborhood. There should be no sirens used for any part of the training.
  • The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service will strive to leave no mess behind.
  • You are welcomed to come by and observe or ask questions during these training exercises. Please ask for the officer-in-charge, but bear in mind that you might need to be patient as that individual might be busy.


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