Seeing a big scene downtown Gig Harbor? Those are smoke machines. Here’s what’s happening
Local jurisdictions are joining Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One downtown today to practice responses to a simulated marina fire and rescue.
The drills involve a scenario with multiple simulated boat fires and trapped victims. Those in downtown Gig Harbor will be able to see emergency personnel practicing from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 22, at the Gig Harbor Marina.
“This was an opportunity post COVID-19 for our crews to do a run through of some of our marina based operations,” Ryan Shervanick, Firefighter/EMT and Public Information Officer for Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One, told The Gateway. “The drill scenario on Wednesday is a marina fire involving six live-aboard boats, with five trapped victims on the far side of the dock requiring rescue. We will have smoke machines operating and actors as simulated victims.”
This training allows multiple jurisdictions to work together. Joining Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One on the water will be the fire boat Endeavor from West Pierce Fire & Rescue and the Gig Harbor Police Department. Medical units will be staging near the Tides Tavern, Shervanick said.
“It started at just a department level and this training grew wings and we thought to have the other jurisdictions come down and train too, since they would be involved in this type of emergency if it was actually happening in real life,” Shervanick said.
Two drills will take place. Briefings will be at 9:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. at the Gig Harbor Marina with each drill starting soon after.
No street closures are expected.
This story was originally published June 22, 2022 at 10:13 AM.
