Firefighters train for real emergencies with rope rescue drill at South Plant

Crews work together to safely lower team members and equipment during a confined space rescue drill. Training in real facilities gives firefighters hands-on experience in challenging environments.

No need for alarm. This is only a drill! 

On a recent morning at our South Treatment Plant in Renton, about 30 firefighters and instructors, outfitted with helmets and harnesses, gathered around a service hatch in the Raw Sewage Pump Building to assess a developing situation. What they encountered was the scene of a high-stakes rescue operation. Their air monitors showed that below the first level, the air was unsafe to breathe, and two individuals were unconscious and in need of rescue. 

The team quickly got to work, coming up with a plan to keep themselves safe while performing the rescue. Within minutes, ropes stretched across the facility, and supplied air lines were ready to go. 

If it felt real, that was the goal. This week-long training exercise was designed to capture the pressure and unpredictability of an actual emergency, giving firefighters the chance to practice their response, teamwork, and decision-making just as they would in a real crisis. 

A firefighter checks a rescue dummy for “injuries” as part of the scenario. Training drills help teams practice critical skills in a controlled environment.

The training was led by the South King County Fire Training Consortium (SKCFTC), a partnership of 15 fire departments from across the region that come together to prepare for situations like these. “These kinds of rescues don’t come up very often, but when they do, they can be some of the toughest calls we get,” said Jeff Anderson, Captain with Puget Sound Fire, which is a SKCFTC partner. “That’s why we take the time to practice in real places like this. There’s really no substitute for hands-on training.” 

Confined space rescues are some of the most challenging emergencies firefighters face, with tight quarters, unpredictable hazards, and limited access. Preparing for these situations is essential to protect those who need rescue and the first responders.

Firefighters assess the scene from the upper level of the Raw Sewage Pump Building at South Plant. Rescue dummies and gear are staged below to simulate a real emergency.

Participants rotate through every role, from setting up rescue lines to monitoring air supplies, so everyone builds confidence and teamwork along the way. On the final day, they come to South Plant to put it all together. 

The benefits extend beyond the fire crews. The King County Wastewater Treatment Division’s (WTD) safety team knows that realistic, joint training strengthens everyone’s readiness. We use air monitors when heading into confined areas or where there is a risk of unsafe air. While the firefighters are great at their jobs, WTD regularly provides confined space training to our staff, because we care about our employees’ safety.

A rescue dummy is carefully lifted through a hatch.

“We’re proud of our safety record, and a big part of that comes from the regular, preventative training we do with our staff,” said Jim Faccone, WTD’s Safety & Emergency manager. “But if something serious ever happens, we count on first responders. That’s why we’re happy to share our facilities for these drills. When we train together, it makes everyone safer.”

Firefighters from several departments participate in the multi-agency training, building trust and teamwork for real emergencies.