Loveland Fire Rescue Authority Conducts Live Fire Training Exercise on Southeast 4th Street
Loveland Fire Rescue Authority conducted a live fire training exercise on October 24 in the area of Southeast 4th Street and St. Louis Avenue, prompting Loveland Police to alert residents after receiving numerous 911 calls about the activity.
The Loveland Police Department posted a public notice around 5 p.m. directing residents not to be alarmed by the training operations visible in the area.
LFRA began the controlled burn exercise at approximately 8 a.m. with completion scheduled by 5 p.m., according to the fire authority's earlier announcement. The structure used for the exercise was donated specifically for training purposes.
The training provided firefighters with hands-on experience in real-life fire scenarios within a controlled environment as part of the authority's commitment to maintaining firefighter readiness and response capabilities.
Local residents were advised they might notice smoke and fire activity during the exercise hours but that the operations posed no danger to the public.
State Standards Govern Live Fire Training
The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control establishes certification and training requirements for firefighters throughout the state. Live fire training must be conducted at state-certified training centers, and facilities must meet National Fire Protection Association 1403 requirements before any live fire training occurs, according to DFPC standards.
NFPA 1403 serves as the primary standard governing live fire training evolutions nationwide. The standard mandates strict compliance with safety protocols due to the inherent hazards involved in controlled burn operations.
Prior to participating in live fire training, firefighters must complete prerequisite training in fire dynamics, health and safety, fundamentals of fire behavior, fire development in compartments, nozzle techniques and door control.
Loveland Police previously coordinated with LFRA for training exercises near the 1200 block of SE 4th Street on October 22, when the department's SWAT team conducted tactical operations drills at a location where LFRA was scheduled to conduct a controlled burn later that week.
The Lead Proctor at live burn evaluations must hold current Colorado Fire & Emergency Services Instructor I certification, state proctor certification, and minimum State Fire Fighter I level certification, according to DFPC requirements.
Fire departments typically announce scheduled burns in advance through websites, social media platforms and emergency alert systems to distinguish planned training from actual emergencies and manage 911 call volumes effectively.