In an effort to prepare for all types of rescue situations, firefighters continually participate in training classes and drills.

On Wednesday, May 10, Snohomish County Fire District #7 hosted a Tower Rescue Drill with members from the Snohomish County Technical Rescue Team, simulating a rescue situation involving a child or service worker trapped on a radio tower.

The drill took place on the 180-foot radio tower located next to Fire Station 71 in Clearview.

The day-long drill began with multiple skills’ stations for firefighters to practice rope work and knot tying, assembling lowering systems, and securing patients. In the afternoon, firefighters practiced various scenarios involving high-angle rescues from a radio tower.

The event was one of four quarterly drills conducted by Zone 11 fire agencies from the Snohomish County Technical Rescue Team. The team specializes in confined space rescue, trench rescue, urban search and rescue, and high-angle rescue.

Firefighters from Snohomish County Fire District #3 (Monroe), Snohomish County Fire District #4 (Snohomish), Snohomish County Fire District #7 (Clearview/Mill Creek), and Snohomish County Fire District #8 (Lake Stevens) make up the Zone 11 portion of the Snohomish County Technical Rescue Team.

Fire District #7 provides fire and emergency medical services in south Snohomish County serving a population of approximately 60,000 residents in the neighborhoods of Cathcart, Clearview, Thrashers Corner, Maltby, Echo Lake, Gold Creek, The Falls, Turners Corner, North Creek and the City of Mill Creek.