Training Exercise at Holiday Inn Summit Fire Authority to Conduct Training Exercise at Holiday Inn in Frisco

Friday, October 13, 2006 - Frisco, CO

Frisco residents and visitors near the I-70 Exit to Summit Blvd may be alarmed on Oct 16, 17 and 25, when they notice fire engines and firefighters carrying hoses surrounding the Frisco Holiday Inn. They need not be concerned. The firefighters will be conducting a joint "high rise" firefighting and rescue training exercise, with the support and permission of Holiday Inn management.

The exercise is a combined training operation, organized and facilitated by the High Country Training Center. Divided into morning and afternoon sessions on each of the training days, the exercise emphasizes command and control, communication and interdepartmental cooperation between firefighters from Lake Dillon Fire-Rescue, Red, White and Blue Fire District and the Copper Mountain Fire Department. The Frisco Police Department, Summit County Ambulance Service and the Summit Stage will also take part.

It is a unique opportunity to put firefighters in a "high-rise" scenario in a controlled setting. While a majority of "high rise" training in Summit County takes place in the classroom and is subsequently fine-tuned in smaller, task-specific drills, this exercise is comprehensive and involves all County emergency services. In addition to the unique setting, the exercise is also a "real time" activity, starting with the initial, limited information contact to the engines from 911 Dispatch. For added realism, Dispatch will pass more information to the crews en route.

The scheduled three days allow each engine crew in the County to act as the primary responding unit. Given the number of similar-sized, tourist-geared buildings in Summit, this type of hands-on training is essential to ensuring the firefighters are proficient and expert in large, interdepartmental response situations. Each simulation will utilize four engine crews and a command-communication center establishment.

Of course, one of the objectives is to minimize the impact on local area residents. The exercise will be limited to the Holiday Inn and the Holiday Inn parking lot, preserving public access to adjacent commercial and residential areas. That said, there will be fire engines and trucks around the area, with crews working with various tools and creating noise. Facilitators also will release simulated light smoke from the top floor of the Holiday Inn as a part of the scenario.

Participants and Summit Fire Authority welcome observers, but it will be necessary to allow a safe distance between any observers and restrictions on entering the training area while the crews are working.

For more information, please contact the High Country Training Center at (970) 668-4330.

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Press Contact:
Brandon Williams
Lake Dillon Fire-Rescue
Public Affairs Coordinator
(970) 513-4201

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