In September, Idaho Power partnered with the Boise Fire Department to stage a mock exercise at the energy company’s downtown headquarters. The building is a high-rise, which has different safety protocols for both the employer and the fire department.
“It’s rare to have the opportunity to conduct a live drill inside an occupied high-rise. The ability to test our procedures while employees are moving through real evacuation routes provides a level of realism we simply can’t replicate in a training tower. Exercises like this strengthen our coordination, improve communication, and ultimately make downtown Boise safer for everyone,” said Division Chief of Training, Jason Lewis.
The exercise had fire fighters from several stations responding to alarms, sweeping the building floor by floor (some filled with heavy smoke from a machine), rescuing hidden dummies, and simulating extinguishing flames. Idaho Power employees evacuated and added a real-life factor to the drill.
“We don’t get to drill in high-rise commercial buildings very often, so when we do it’s a huge benefit. One of the components we are typically missing is people,” said Boise Fire Captain Shane Nelson. “This has been a huge benefit to us, working with Idaho Power, where we can incorporate people and see how our operations are affected.”
Angelique Rood, Idaho Power VP of Corporate Services and Communications, also appreciated the collaboration. “This drill supported our culture of safety first and offered our employees a chance to test their response in a stressful situation and see our safety procedures in action. We appreciate this unique opportunity to partner with Boise Fire and are grateful for the work of our emergency responders in our communities.”
The Boise Fire Department continues to seek out opportunities for trainings that provide realistic scenarios in realistic locations.
Footage of the drill, including firefighters responding inside the building, is available on request.
About Idaho Power
Idaho Power, headquartered in vibrant and fast-growing Boise, Idaho, has been a locally operated energy company since 1916. Today, it serves a 24,000-square-mile area in Idaho and Oregon. The company has a long history of safely providing reliable, affordable, clean energy. With 17 low-cost hydroelectric projects at the core of its diverse energy mix, Idaho Power’s residential, business, and agricultural customers pay among the nation’s lowest prices for electricity. Its 2,100 employees proudly serve more than 650,000 metered customers, in a service area of 1.3 million people, with a culture of safety first, integrity always, and respect for all.
IDACORP Inc. (NYSE: IDA), Idaho Power’s independent publicly traded parent company, is also headquartered in Boise, Idaho. To learn more, visit idahopower.com or idacorpinc.com.
Contacts:
Maria Willacy
Communications Specialist
Idaho Power
208-890-9438
mwillacy@idahopower.com
Lauren Melink
Communications Manager, Public Safety
Boise Fire Department
208-488-1446
lmelink@cityofboise.org