North Whidbey Fire & Rescue seeks the cooperation of property owners who may have abandoned or unwanted buildings that could be made available for firefighter training. Donated structures provide a valuable opportunity for our members to conduct both non-destructive and destructive training evolutions in real-world settings.

Non-destructive training activities include search and rescue operations, ladder deployment, firefighter rescue techniques, and thermal imaging exercises. These evolutions are ideally conducted in abandoned warehouses, apartment complexes, residential homes, and commercial buildings where the structure will remain intact. Destructive training, which involves breaching walls, roof ventilation, overhaul operations, water stream application, and simulated fire suppression activities, is best suited for buildings that are no longer wanted by the owner.

To qualify for destructive training, structures must be free of asbestos and similar hazardous materials, and property owners must provide proof of ownership. North Whidbey Fire & Rescue is continually training to ensure the highest level of safety for the community we serve and for our own firefighters. The use of donated buildings for destructive training allows our members to practice critical skills and tactics in a realistic environment, playing a vital role in maintaining operational readiness and emergency response effectiveness.

What is destructive training?

May include cutting holes in the roof and walls, breaking down doors and windows, searching for simulated victims, deploying fire hoses, flowing water and live fire.

What buildings are used for training?

Building owners can donate their building to the North Whidbey Fire & Rescue once a structure has passed its usable life span and is scheduled to be demolished.

How do I find out if my building qualifies?

The building must be within North Whidbey Fire & Rescue Fire district, not be structurally compromised (fire damage, rot, collapse) and not have unmitigated biohazard waste (feces, needles, rodent infestation).

*There are some disqualifiers*

Interested? Call North Whidbey Fire & Rescue 360.675.1131 or email admin@nwfr.org