Here is one of the Gridley Fire Department’s fire trucks as the CAL FIRE crew brought out ladders. Photo courtesy of Orchard Hospital

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Orchard Hospital was proud to recently partner with CAL FIRE (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection) in supporting a regional training exercise held at the hospital’s former assisted-living facility, located just behind the hospital.

CAL FIRE used this former facility building as a simulation for responding to an apartment fire that requires access to the second story.

CAL FIRE used this building as a simulation for responding to an apartment fire that requires access to the second story. Photo courtesy of Orchard Hospital

As we prepare for the demolition of the building in June, we are honored that it could first be used to benefit emergency preparedness efforts that are critical to the safety of our community.

Allowing CAL FIRE to use the building provided a unique opportunity for first responders to conduct realistic, hands-on training in a true-to-life setting. 

This collaboration reflects Orchard Hospital’s ongoing commitment to community support and public safety, even as we transition into a new chapter with building a new inpatient youth-psychiatric health facility.

A CAL FIRE first responder trains at the former living facility at Orchard Hospital. Photo courtesy of Orchard Hospital

The Orchard Hospital team is glad to help and excited that the building could be utilized and serve such an important purpose before its demolition. 

“I would like to extend a sincere thank you to the teams at CAL FIRE for their professionalism and dedication, and we look forward to hearing about the positive impact of the training across the region,” said Director of Psychiatric Programs Kirsten Storne-Piazza.