Saco firefighters are poised to conduct training exercises in this vacant city-owned property later this month. Eventually it will be demolished as the city makes way for a new traffic signal at Buxton Road (Route 112) and Jenkins Road. Tammy Wells Photo
SACO — Neighbors and passersby who see firefighters milling around 2 Hillview Ave. later this month and, in the months to come, take note — Saco Fire Department will be training at the city-owned building.
The vacant house in the Saco subdivision off Route 112 — Buxton Road — is scheduled for demolition later in the year, as the city prepares for a traffic signal at the adjacent Jenkins Road intersection, said Saco Communications Director Emily Roy. Saco property records show the city acquired the property for $390,000 on Sept. 15.
There will be no live smoke or fire during the training, city officials say — nontoxic theatrical smoke will be used instead.
“We’re trying to simulate all the activities we do on the fire ground,” said Saco Deputy Fire Chief Robert Martin. “Crews will use the building for search and rescue with simulated smoke, conduct victim removals through a window, pull hoses into the building from different levels, throw ladders to the roof, and based on the layout and the driveway, we may be able to simulate using the aerial ladders.”
Both full-time firefighters and Saco’s volunteer call division will train in the building.
It is all designed to maintain proficiency in the skill, said Martin.
Firefighter training on the property will depend on the weather and availability of staff.
Martin said he expected people will see firefighters around the building starting sometime later in February.
The Saco Fire Department worked with city administration and the Saco Public Works Department to develop the plan to provide local training opportunities, said Roy.
Demolition of the property is targeted for later in the year. Saco officials say construction of the signal and intersection improvements is anticipated to take place in 2023.
“We are currently working on the final design of the Jenkins Road and Rt 112 intersection and traffic signal, as well as securing funding for the construction through state grant programs and the local budget process,” said Fox in an email. “Construction is anticipated to occur in 2023.”
The traffic signal project is one of several transportation improvement projects planned for the Route 112 corridor and the Maine Turnpike Exit 36 interchange between 2022 and 2025, according to the city. Among other improvements are new north- and south-bound Maine Turnpike ramps, and a 58-vehicle Park and Ride lot to be located just west of the turnpike. Several agencies are involved in the mix, including the city of Saco, the Maine Turnpike Authority and the Maine Department of Transportation.
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