Fire Department High-Rise Drill

The Santa Barbara City Fire Department will be conducting a series of high-rise structure firefighting training sessions at the Granada Building beginning this Saturday morning. The drills are designed to reinforce response standards and allow firefighters to experience the complexity of working in a high-rise building.

The drills will take place on the following Saturdays: February 12 2011, February 26 2011 and March 12 2011. The training sessions will take place between 7:30 am to 9:30 am so as to cause as little impact on State Street as possible.

The following closures will be in effect on State Street between Anapamu and Victoria Streets: All vehicle and bicycle traffic in both directions. Additionally, all sidewalk traffic on the east side of State will be closed for the duration of the drills. Pedestrian traffic on the west side of State Street will be allowed.

Firefighters will be using a variety of firefighting techniques including the aerial ladder truck. Additionally, a non-toxic theatrical smoke will be utilized and may be visible from the upper floors of the Granada building.

Businesses may remain open and the fire department will provide volunteer escorts within the drill area.

The City Fire Department appreciates the public’s cooperation and understanding during these training sessions.