The Woodstock Fire Protection District recently completed the controlled burn of model homes that had been offered to them following the failure of a local development project. Earlier reports on the training exercises and previous burn-downs can be found HERE. This final phase took place at a five-unit townhouse complex located on Route 47 (S. Eastwood Drive), north of Lucas Road. On Friday, December 28th, firefighters began the process by filling each unit with straw and wood before igniting the structures. A small group of onlookers gathered to witness the event, including Tim Olk and Larry Shapiro, who captured the destruction on camera.
Larry Shapiro’s photographs are featured below, along with a detailed video documenting the entire process. These images offer a powerful visual record of how these abandoned homes were ultimately destroyed in a controlled environment. The exercise served not only as a training opportunity for firefighters but also as a way to safely dispose of structures that had become obsolete.
A gallery containing many more photos from the event is available HERE. If you're interested in seeing the full scale of the burn, the video provides an immersive look into the flames consuming the townhouses. It's a rare and dramatic display that highlights both the risks and responsibilities involved in fire safety training.
For those who missed the event, this footage offers a unique perspective on the realities of fire response and the importance of preparedness. Whether you're a local resident or simply curious about the process, this final installment of the burn series is a compelling look at what happens when buildings are no longer viable.