Seven townhouses proposed there in 2016
The Wake Forest Fire Department is planning a controlled burn exercise in a small white house at 152 South Allen Road, the corner of Elm Avenue, where, in 2016, Mark Iafrate, owner of Elm Avenue Townes, wanted to build seven townhouses. Neighbors, planning board members and town commissioners opposed or questioned the project, which Iafrate withdrew the next day.
A receptionist at Iafrate’s company said Monday there are no plans for the property at this time. Iafrate owns the house and an abutting vacant lot, 0.69 acres in all.
The controlled burn will take place Friday, Dec. 20, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The exercise secures mandatory training for prospective firefighters enrolled in the Wake Forest Fire Academy.
Edward Barrett, a battalion chief with the fire department, said Tuesday, “The Wake Forest Fire Department has conducted its own fire academies since 2007. Full academies run about nine months.
“We are currently running a full academy with 15 recruits. During the academy they earn their firefighter II certification, EMT-Basic certification and the information about our fire district, equipment we use, services we offer, and history of our department along with the history of Wake Forest.
“We run academies when there is a need to hire four or greater personnel. Short academies (six weeks) take firefighters that already have the required certifications. In a short academy they learn the fire district, department structure, services offered, specialized equipment, policies and procedures.”
Part of the 600 block of Elm Avenue will be closed throughout the exercise. In addition, one lane of South Allen Road in the vicinity of the training will be reduced to one lane with intermittent two-way traffic
The fire department attempts to conduct controlled burns in a manner that minimizes smoke impact to nearby roadways and neighborhoods. However, heavy amounts of smoke and ash are expected. Residents and businesses adjacent to the area are encouraged to keep windows closed during the burn.
For more information, call the Wake Forest Fire Department at 919-556-1966.
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