County breaks ground on new fire training building

NEW HAMPTON — Orange County broke ground last week for a new Fire Training Center burn building that officials said would provide firefighters from companies throughout Orange County with a live and more varied training experience in a safe, controlled environment.

Construction on the $1.5 million building, located at the county Fire Training Center off Route 17M in New Hampton, began this month and is projected to take six months to complete.

“Utilizing the latest advancements in layout and technology, this new burn building will allow firefighters to safely gain experience so that they are properly prepared to assist our residents in a time of need,” County Executive Edward A. Diana said in his remarks announcing the plans. “Every time the fire whistle blows, firefighters put their lives on the line for us – and for that, we are exceptionally grateful to them.”

3,000 volunteers
There are 52 fire departments in Orange County, totaling about 3,000 volunteer and career firefighters. County officials estimate at least 2,000 of them will utilize the new burn building for training each year either through their individual departments or training courses offered by the county’s fire training center.

The new building will utilize an innovative design that will simulate a variety of building formats commonly found in the county. The first floor is designed as a residential layout, the second floor is designed as an apartment building layout and the third will represent a commercial building.

The new building design also will incorporate the latest advancements in layout and technology in order to provide a firefighter with as realistic a live fire experience as possible in a safe, controlled environment so that they are properly prepared

‘Crown jewel’ for training
The new burn building will replace a 22 year-old existing building at the site that has outlived its useful life for live burns. That building will be used for training programs that do not require live fire, such as search and rescue and cold weather training.

“Live fire training in a safe, controlled environment is an invaluable part of the firefighter training program, especially for new recruits,” said Vini Tankasali, the emergency services deputy commissioner for fire services. “It allows for hands-on experience without the threat of a real incident. The features of this burn building will help our volunteers be better firefighters and our instructors be better teachers. I believe it will be the crown jewel of fire training in New York State .

Emergency Services Commissioner Walter Koury, Commissioner commended Tankasali, the fire training center staff, the Fire Advisory board and local departments for their commitment to training.

“We are fortunate to have strong partners who appreciate the value of collaboration,” Koury said, “and know that proper training saves lives.”