In a noteworthy demonstration of emergency preparedness, a joint effort between the Los Angeles Metro Rail, the Santa Monica Fire Department (SMFD), the Los Angeles Sheriff Department (LASD), and the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) successfully conducted an emergency simulated "train on fire" exercise at the E Line Downtown Santa Monica Station on Tuesday, September 26, 2023. This annual collaborative drill is aimed at refining coordination and readiness among various jurisdictional and fire department personnel, offering an invaluable opportunity to fine-tune their response skills in preparation for real-life emergencies.
During this year's exercise, the scenario involved a fire breaking out in the middle car of a Metro train, complete with simulated victims. First responders, including the SMFD, LASD, and SMPD, rapidly converged on the scene, efficiently extinguishing the simulated blaze and seamlessly transitioning to the treatment of the mock injured passengers. The exercise also entailed the triage and transportation of five simulated patients to local hospitals.
The event took place on Tuesday, September 26, between 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. at the Metro E Line Downtown Santa Monica Station, leading to a noticeable presence of SMFD, LASD, and SMPD vehicles and personnel in the area. Commuters and residents witnessed general emergency vehicle activity and, at times, the sounding of sirens as part of the drill.
Importantly, regular Metro operations on the E Line remained unaffected, with only a street closure at 5th St/Colorado Bl, extending southbound to the parking lot entrance. Access for pedestrians, local businesses, and the general public outside the simulated drill zone was maintained throughout the exercise.
Dan Caldwell, the Public Information Officer (PIO) for the Santa Monica Fire Department, shared his insights on the exercise, emphasizing its value in enhancing readiness. He expressed that the drill provided an essential opportunity for personnel to respond to a simulated incident, ultimately preparing them for real emergencies. Their efforts during the exercise were dedicated to extinguishing the simulated fire and tending to the mock victims. In this instance, five patients were simulated and had to be triaged and transported to a local hospital. The drill was considered a resounding success, underscoring the commitment of the participating agencies to public safety and their readiness to respond effectively to real emergencies, ensuring the well-being of the community.