DANVILLE, IL (Chambana Today) — The Danville Fire Department will conduct a live-fire training exercise on June 4 at an acquired structure located at 835 N. John St. in Danville.
The training was originally scheduled for May 12 but was postponed because of weather conditions.
According to department officials, the exercise is required by the State of Illinois for firefighter recruits attending the Champaign Fire Academy, which is hosted by the Danville Fire Department. The live-fire scenario is designed to provide recruits with realistic, hands-on experience in emergency response situations.
Neighbors in the area may notice visible smoke during the exercise. Fire officials emphasized that only clean wood pallets will be burned and that no carpet, plastics or synthetic materials will be used. Officials also confirmed that any required asbestos abatement at the property has been completed.
The training will follow all regulations established by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
Residents and motorists should also expect increased traffic congestion on John Street throughout the exercise. Firefighters may need to enter the roadway periodically to access equipment from fire apparatus, and drivers are urged to use caution in the area.
Members of the public are welcome to observe the training from a safe distance, although parking near the site will be limited. Officials recommend that spectators park in public parking areas away from John Street and walk into the neighborhood.
The department also advised nearby residents that increased water usage during the exercise could temporarily stir sediment in local water lines, causing brown discoloration in tap water. Officials said the discoloration should clear naturally within two to eight hours and advised residents not to continuously flush their water systems.
Captain Ryan Allison said the department appreciates the community’s support as firefighters continue training to better serve the public.