Chelan Fire & Rescue to conduct live fire training at former Apple Cup Cafe

CHELAN — Chelan Fire & Rescue (CFR) announced plans to conduct a controlled live fire training exercise at the former Apple Cup Cafe on November 9. The site, located at 804 E Woodin Ave., was severely damaged by fire earlier this year on March 24.

The training exercise, made possible through the donation of the building, will provide firefighters with a realistic environment to hone their skills before the structure's scheduled demolition.

In the weeks leading up to the live fire event, firefighters will engage in various training scenarios within the structure, including forcible entry techniques, ventilation methods, and search and rescue exercises.

The live fire burn is scheduled to begin at approximately 8:30 a.m. and is expected to last between four to five hours. During this time, the 800 Block of East Woodin Ave will be closed to traffic, with diversions in place to ensure public and firefighter safety.

CFR officials stated that crews will remain on standby throughout the event to protect surrounding structures, power lines, and other critical infrastructure.

The public is invited to observe the training from designated viewing areas near the site. However, CFR noted that the exercise may be rescheduled in the event of unfavorable weather conditions.

This specialized training represents a rare opportunity for firefighters to train under realistic conditions, emphasizing the importance of emergency response preparedness.

For more information, the public is encouraged to contact Chelan Fire & Rescue at 509-682-4476 or email chelanadmin@cfr7.org.