Legoland in Carlsbad will be closed to visitors on Wednesday so two Southern California urban search-and-rescue task forces can use the theme park for disaster training.
The new California Regional Task Force 13 — made up of Carlsbad and San Marcos fire departments and Cal Fire — will participate, along with another team based in Long Beach. RTF 13 received its official designation last year and is one of 11 such task forces in the state — and the only one in San Diego County.
Each 30-person force is equipped to assist other agencies throughout Southern California. “The regional task force model is based on the principle of fast, light, and mobile response and is designed to provide support quickly and efficiently to complex incidents that require assistance beyond an initial alarm,” said Carlsbad fire spokesperson Holly Angeles-Gonzales.
At Legoland, task force members will practice a variety of technical search-and-rescue tactics during a mock earthquake scenario, including rollercoaster rescues and a parking structure collapse.
There will also be volunteers on hand serving as role players, proctors and evaluators.
Funding for the training exercise was provided by the California Office of Emergency Services and the California Specialized Training Institute.
