Firefighters with the Bainbridge Island Fire Department conduct hose and ladder drills outside of the newly completed assisted living and memory care facility Madrona House.

Approximately 30 firefighters, both career and volunteer, participated in the exercise, which was preceded by a tour of the building by Facilities Manager Melvin Borges and Administrator Mitzi Stern.

According to Capt. Butch Ludin, conducting the mandatory drills in and around a new building is crucial for firefighter familiarization but the drills themselves are required every 24 hours regardless.

“It’s done every day to keep up qualifications,” he said.

Madrona House is located at 8800 Madison Ave. NE, and is expected to begin accepting residents soon.