Disneyland cast trained in fire safety and extinguisher use
Disney Connect has reported that the Disneyland Fire Department Public Safety Team has trained over 36,000 people in California since its founding in 2012.
According to the company, these participants include Disneyland Resort cast members and individuals from the surrounding community.
The department, based on Main Street, U.S.A. in Anaheim, delivers sessions on fire prevention, the use of extinguishers and emergency response techniques using digital fire simulation tools.
Captain Mark Solano highlights the department’s training goals
The Disneyland Fire Department Public Safety Team was established by Captain Mark Solano, who has served as a firefighter for over three decades, including 17 years at Disneyland Resort.
Solano explained that his interest in public safety education began during his early years with San Bernardino County Fire Department: “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.
“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.”
Solano said: “Safety is always the first priority when reacting to a fire. 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.”
Solano added: “With the proper training and equipment provided in their areas, cast members can make an impact to preventing the spread of fire.
“I encourage cast to learn what they can now, so they can safely help themselves and others later.”
Fire prevention and extinguisher education form core of training
Disney Connect reported that the first step in training involves teaching preventative actions to reduce the risk of fire.
These include avoiding overloaded electrical outlets, switching off unused appliances and keeping spaces free of trip hazards.
The department also explains the different types of fire extinguishers used around the resort, including ABC and CO2 models.
This education covers how each extinguisher type corresponds with different classes of fire and builds on existing signage instructions.
Fire simulation equipment used in hands-on cast training
After receiving theory-based instruction, cast members participate in practical training using both real and simulated extinguishers.
This includes practice with the PASS method: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle and Sweep from side to side.
The BullEx Bullseye Digital Fire Extinguisher Training System, used by the Disneyland team, creates simulated flames of varying intensity to prepare staff for a range of situations.
Disney cast member Juan Carlos Estuvier said: “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.”
Estuvier added: “[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.”
Outreach extends training beyond the resort
The Disneyland Fire Department has extended its educational activities to local fire services and schools.
Disney Connect reported that its fire simulator is shared with regional stations and public safety demonstrations have been held for schoolchildren.
Firefighter Alex Fagundo said: “Ultimately, having a basic understanding of public safety benefits everyone by fostering a sense of peace, belonging and opportunity.”
Fagundo added: “Everyone deserves to feel safe!”
Solano concluded: “It’s been an honour 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.”
Disneyland fire safety training empowers cast with practical skills: Summary
Disney Connect has reported that the Disneyland Fire Department Public Safety Team has trained over 36,000 people since 2012.
The team teaches fire prevention and emergency response to Disneyland Resort cast members and community participants.
Training covers hazard identification, extinguisher use and fire classifications.
Instruction includes use of ABC and CO2 fire extinguishers deployed across the resort.
The PASS method is a key part of the training, combining theory with hands-on simulation.
A digital system simulates fire scenarios of varying severity for practical application.
The fire simulator is also used in sessions delivered to local schools and fire stations.
Firefighter Alex Fagundo said public safety knowledge benefits all individuals.
Captain Mark Solano founded the programme based on early experience in school-based fire safety education.