Eugene Springfield Fire prioritizes high-rise firefighting training amid growing construction in Eugene

Eugene, OR – As Eugene continues to grow vertically, with new mid and high-rise buildings being constructed throughout the city, Eugene Springfield Fire (ESF) is focusing on enhancing high-rise firefighting capabilities.

Recently, on a rainy Saturday morning, the department took advantage of a six-story apartment drill building to refine their skills and strategies for handling fires in tall structures.

This training comes at a time when staffing levels are a concern. According to the National Fire Protection Association’s standard for effective response forces, 43 firefighters are required for a high-rise fire.

However, the city currently only has 38 firefighters on duty at any given time, highlighting the need for continued growth in staffing as the city’s buildings rise higher.

ESF remains dedicated to ensuring that its teams are prepared for the challenges posed by high-rise structures, reinforcing their ability to respond efficiently and effectively to fires in these increasingly common buildings.