High-rise stairs are keeping firefighters fit

David Brooks / Union-Tribune
Capt. Ron Allison, 58, continues to work the stairs of high-rises with fellow Coronado firefighters even though he’s headed toward retirement next week.

By Janine Zúñiga, UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

CORONADO — Ron Allison knows that no weightlifting regimen or StairMaster routine can prepare Coronado firefighters for an inferno in any of the city’s 10 high-rise condo towers better than drills up and down the buildings’ own stairs.

So about once a week, the engine company captain and other Coronado Fire Department officials lead weekly training exercises in the 16-story El Encanto tower at Coronado Shores.

“We take the high-rises seriously,” said Allison, 58. “The best way to fight fires here is for it be second nature.”

It’s a grueling workout, occasionally conducted with full gear that weighs up to 90 pounds and sometimes with a firefighter’s 27-pound breathing apparatus.

During a recent drill, which is usually conducted weekend mornings, Allison, engineer David Hingeley, 48, and three newly permanent firefighters — Larry Hogueisson, 40, Nate Ramos, 27, and Brian Standing, 24, — climbed the El Encanto tower six times. Between each run, they did a series of push-ups and sit-ups.

They didn’t wear any equipment this time, Allison said, because the gear tends to bang up walls and make a lot of noise; they limit wearing the heavy, bulky clothing and tools for special training. Besides, he said, they don’t want to wear out their welcome.

Locals say they appreciate the Fire Department’s presence.

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