• SLTFR Engine crews practicing vertical ventilation. Photo by SLTFR.
    SLTFR Engine crews practicing vertical ventilation. Photo by SLTFR.
  • SLTFR practicing vertical roof ventilation. They ventilate roofs to remove the smoke. Photo by SLTFR.
    SLTFR practicing vertical roof ventilation. They ventilate roofs to remove the smoke. Photo by SLTFR.
  • SLTFR practicing bail out training at the Knights Inn. Photo by SLTFR
    SLTFR practicing bail out training at the Knights Inn. Photo by SLTFR

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – As the end of the old Knight’s Inn draws near, South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue personnel are getting valuable skill practice in at the two-story building.

Developers will soon be demolishing the old motel in preparation for the Bijou Marketplace so SLTFR has been getting hands on training including ventilation, forcible entry, breaching walls and moving hose lines.

“We hope to train to the very end of standing buildings, squeezing every ounce of training out of the buildings,” said SLTFR Chief Jeff Meston.

He said they are working with the contractor as they abate the property.

“This is extremely valuable training,” added Meston.

Due to environmental concerns old buildings are no longer burned for firefighter training, especially those with asbestos.

There will be a public groundbreaking ceremony at the site, which is located at 3600 Lake Tahoe Blvd., on Monday at 2:00 p.m.