This regional collaboration promotes uniformity in training for firefighting recruits from fire agencies throughout the county.

Recruits learn skills to prepare them for their first shift at a fire station. Instruction includes fire science, strength and conditioning classes, and handling the stress of emergency situations.

South County Fire is a member of the Snohomish County Training Consortium.  Other members are Everett Fire, Marysville Fire, Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue and Snohomish Fire District 4.

Benefits of regional training include:

• Sharing instructors and expertise
• Reducing duplicated efforts
• Breaking down borders with neighboring fire agencies will allow us to work together more effectively on mutual aid incidents

Firefighters drill regularly at the Training Tower at South County Fire Headquarters. The four-story tower simulates the one and two-story homes and mid-rise apartment complexes and buildings common in Snohomish County.

 Firefighters use the tower for drills such as:

• Laddering
• Hose evolutions
• Search and rescue
• Fire suppression tactics
• Forcible entry
• Firefighter safety and survival
• Rappelling and wall breaching

Simulated smoke can be used to create fire-like conditions throughout the building. There is no live fire or burning in the tower.