Do you see smoke coming from the buildings along William Hilton Boulevard in Hilton Head Island?
Don’t panic – this may just be a drill.
The Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue Department shared on social media that the department plans to conduct a training exercise March 9-20 at 9 Park Lane.
Longtime residents may know the building as the site of the former Nick’s Steak and Seafood, which closed in December.
The Town of Hilton Head acquired the property at 9 Park Lane in January and plans to use it to assist fire and rescue operations.
Is there a fire in Hilton Head?
The smoke at 9 Park Lane may shock some people, but it doesn’t mean there’s a fire in Hilton Head.
Officials saw an opportunity to provide “valuable hands-on training” to firefighters before demolishing the vacant property, the post said.
Over the next few days, crews will conduct firefighting, ventilation, hose deployment and search drills to ensure they are prepared in the event of a real emergency.
Use a fog machine to make the training “as real as possible.”
Drivers passing through the area may see several fire trucks parked in the parking lot in the coming days.
If you see smoke elsewhere on Hilton Head Island, please call 911.
What are the plans for 9 Park Lane?
The Town of Hilton Head Island recently acquired properties at 9 and 10 Park Lane to support fire rescue operations.
The Town Council authorized the purchase of the properties in October, according to a news release at the time. Property records show the town closed on the properties in January.
As of February, the fire and rescue headquarters had moved to 10 Park Lane, according to official social media posts.
The restaurant at 9 Park Lane will be demolished and used for parking and open space, according to an October news release.