Santa Barbara Firefighters Conduct High-Rise Training at Granada Theatre

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) - The Santa Barbara City Fire Department is holding emergency response drills at the eight-story Granada Theatre in downtown Santa Barbara.

The training is designed to help firefighters prepare for incidents in taller buildings, where crews may face challenges reaching upper floors, carrying equipment, and evacuating occupants.

The exercise includes ladder truck operations, simulated rescues, evacuation procedures, and theatrical smoke that is safe and non-toxic. Firefighters are using the building to practice coordinating their response in a realistic multi-story setting.

The department says the drills are intended to improve readiness and help crews respond more effectively if an emergency occurs in a high-rise structure.

People near the Granada Theatre may notice additional fire apparatus and temporary traffic restrictions along State Street while the training is underway.