Edwardsville Fire Department plans search and rescue training at Vandalia Street building

EDWARDSVILLE - As part of its ongoing training program, the Edwardsville Fire Department plans to conduct search and rescue training evolutions at 405 E. Vandalia Street beginning later this week.

The building, formerly used for a variety of retail businesses including a used book shop and antiques, is slated for demolition by St. Boniface Church to address parking issues.

Before final demolition, EFD and mutual aid fire departments will have an opportunity to perform search and rescue training in the building. During these training sessions, passers-by may notice emergency vehicles parked outside and what appears to be smoke coming from the building.

No live-fire evolutions will be utilized because of the building’s proximity to surrounding structures and businesses, but synthetic smoke will be used to add realism to the training.

Training should be completed by the end of June.

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