The Disneyland Fire Department is widely known for the iconic fire station located on Main Street, U.S.A., and for keeping our guests and cast safe – but beyond these daily duties, they have a shared passion around educating our cast and community on fire safety and prevention.
A history of education
Since its founding in 2012, the Disneyland Fire Department Public Safety Team has educated over 36,000 Disneyland Resort cast and community members on fire safety and fire extinguisher use. The dedicated team focuses on empowering and equipping cast members to step into action safely, should a situation arise.
Fire Captain Mark Solano driving the firetruck at a station in Olathe, Kansas.
The Disneyland Fire Department Public Safety Team was founded by Captain Mark Solano, a 32-year firefighter and 17-year firefighter at Disneyland Resort. “When I was a rookie in Fontana, CA with the San Bernardino County Fire Department, I was asked to teach an elementary school class about fire safety,” said Mark. “I eventually went on to oversee our public education initiatives. Since then, it has been a passion of mine to help others feel safe and prepared in case of emergency.”
Prevention is always the preference
The team first educates on preventative measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of a fire – precautions such as: not overloading outlets, turning off appliances that aren’t in use and removing trip hazards. With the proper education, cast are able to identify, address or report fire hazards before an incident occurs.
The next area of focus is fire education. From types of fire extinguishers to types of fires, the team talks through the science and specifics of flames. Disneyland Resort equips areas with ABC and CO2 extinguishers, preparing cast for the various fires that could occur. While the extinguishers depict which one to use based on the type of fire, this additional education helps cast feel even more prepared should a fire incident arise.
Cast members put their learnings to the test, practicing the PASS method using a real fire extinguisher.
“Safety is always the first priority when reacting to a fire,” said Mark. “We tell cast, ‘Do what you can, but only if you can do it safely.’ Getting themselves and others to safety should always be the priority.”
Firefighter Jesse Velarde teaching Disney PhotoPass cast member Juan Carlos Estuvier how to extinguish a fire using the PASS method on the BullEx Bullseye Digital Fire Extinguisher Training System.
Putting training to the test
Cast members then get to put their knowledge to the test with hands on experiences; utilizing both real fire extinguishers and Disneyland Fire’s BullEx Bullseye Digital Fire Extinguisher Training System. The fire simulator technology allows for the training team to create “fires” of varying size and severity. Trainees practice responding to the fire using their new knowledge of the PASS method: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep from side to side.
“Most [cast members] would have never gotten to experience using a fire extinguisher until an emergency occurred; this demonstration helps me feel more confident that I could take control of a situation safely,” said cast member Juan Carlos Estuvier. “[The firefighters] don’t just have us practice the drill, they do a great job of laying a foundation of why we do each movement and how to improve our technique.”
Fairy Godmother’s Apprentices from Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique participated in a fire extinguisher training with the Disneyland Fire Department.
“With the proper training and equipment provided in their areas, cast members can make an impact to preventing the spread of fire,” said Mark. “I encourage cast to learn what they can now, so they can safely help themselves and others later.”
Safety is for everyone
Mark and the rest of the Disneyland Fire Department Public Safety Team have taken their trainings beyond the resort, sharing the fire simulator with local fire stations and hosting demonstrations at local elementary schools. “Ultimately, having a basic understanding of public safety benefits everyone by fostering a sense of peace, belonging and opportunity,” said firefighter Alex Fagundo. “Everyone deserves to feel safe!”
“It’s been an honor to watch this program grow over the years. It is my passion; it’s a passion that I hope to continue to pass on to the new generation of firefighters here at the resort. We take great pride in protecting our cast, the park and the magic.”