Controlled Burn Conducted Following Completion of Advanced Structure Training

Girard, PA – At the completion of the advanced structure burn class held in Girard this weekend, crews carried out a planned controlled burn of the training structure, which was part of the agreement approved by the Girard Cemetery, Girard Borough, and the A.F. Dobler Hose Fire Department that allowed firefighters to utilize the building for live-fire training.

During the operation, firefighters focused on protecting nearby exposures, including a garage located to the rear of the structure and a neighboring residence to the south. Crews applied water to cool the exterior surfaces of these nearby structures as a protective measure throughout the burn. Girard firefighters also utilized their ladder truck for aerial support, applying water from an elevated position as needed to help manage fire conditions and safeguard surrounding properties. Ground crews remained positioned around the structure to continuously monitor fire progression and maintain control of the operation.

The spectacle drew a large number of onlookers from around the area, many of whom gathered at a safe distance to observe the operation. During the controlled burn, rare fire whirls, sometimes referred to as “firenados,” were observed forming along the roofline, with rotating columns of flame and hot gases extending more than 20 feet into the air at times. These brief but intense fire dynamics highlighted the powerful and unpredictable behavior that can occur during structural fires.

Throughout the operation, the fire remained well-controlled, with additional resources, including multiple tanker units, staged nearby with water supplies to support suppression efforts if conditions changed. The controlled burn marked the final operational phase of the training event, allowing firefighters to safely conclude activities while ensuring surrounding structures and the community remained protected.


If you ever have a structure that you plan on tearing down or removing, consider reaching out to your local fire department. In many cases, departments may be able to utilize the building for critical hands-on training opportunities that directly benefit first responders and the communities they serve.