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The Mountain View Fire Department is preparing for its first full-scale drill in the downtown pedestrian mall area since 2020.
While the department trains on structure fire operations regularly, it’s the first full-scale drill since parts of Castro Street were closed off to cars at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, department spokesperson Robert Maitland told the Voice.
Beginning 9-10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 19, and continuing every Monday in November, the fire department will conduct drills along Castro between Evelyn Avenue and Dana Street to improve emergency response and preparedness in the downtown pedestrian mall area
The drills should last roughly 45-60 minutes and will simulate a building fire response within the downtown business district.
“The drills will not involve live fire. Instead, only simulated response activities intended to enhance operational readiness and identify potential access, coordination and logistical challenges associated with the downtown pedestrian mall configuration,” Maitland said in an email.
Drills will also include a medical component, with simulated victims trapped and injured from a fire, he said. Each training session will involve around 15 fire department personnel, with two engines, one truck, an urban search and a rescue vehicle.
The department expects minimal impact on pedestrians or downtown activities and businesses.
