SNOHOMISH — In early April, Fire District 4 plans to set alight some of the buildings of the block of Pine Avenue that formerly housed Steuber’s Distributing Co. for fire training purposes.
It plans to burn four buildings on four consecutive dates starting April 9 at the houses at 317 Pine, 325 Pine, 327 Pine and 301 Fourth St.**** The first lighting is in the morning and the final burn-down of each building is scheduled for 2 p.m. daily.
It plans to close part of Pine Avenue for the live burns. The district recommends shutting windows.
The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency gave its approval. Fire District 4 says it plans to prevent run-off from getting to the Pilchuck River. It’s already completed asbestos abatement, removed all the carpet and linoleum and abated for lead paint.
A pamphlet with more information is being produced.
“We will go door to door around the area to hand out the pamphlet” and have some at local businesses, plus publish it on the district’s website and social media, Fire Chief Don Waller said by email.
Fire District 4 took ownership of the block Nov. 1. It’s selling about 60 percent of the block to the city of Snohomish for a future City Hall and other buildings. Fire District 4 is planning a new one-story fire station that would be its new headquarters on the other 40% of the land.
Since February, fire agencies have been doing training at the site such as practicing with hoses, entry techniques and building search patterns.
Fire District 4 says it will have extra personnel to maintain rapid response to real emergencies during the site burn training days.
People concerned by air pollution from the burning activity can get a free N-95 mask by visiting the district headquarters at 1525 Ave. D or by calling 360-568-2141.
CORRECTION
*** -- One of the live fire burn addresses is at 301 Fourth St. which is a house, not the former Steuber office at 308 Third St. The Tribune regrets the error.
