Facilities

The multi-story burn building is designed and constructed to provide many scenarios for firefighter training. These include but are not limited to:

• Hose handling
• Interior fire attack
• Ladders
• Rope rescue
• SCBA training
• Search and rescue
• Teamwork
• Utilization and support of fire protection systems
• Ventilation

About the Building

The building is constructed of steel reinforced concrete with 4 inches of concrete cover over the steel on the hot face side of the ceiling. Also, 3/4 inch plywood is bolted to these ceilings to provide sacrificial shielding to the concrete, to prevent spalling due to thermal cycling.

Windows & Doors

Windows and doors are constructed of heavy gauge galvanized steel. The doors have simple to operate latches, both inside and out to provide safe entry and egress.

Sprinkler System

The building is equipped with a standpipe system. The sprinkler system utilizes fused link heads, or may be activated manually with open heads to demonstrate how sprinklers control fires.

2 Sections

The multistory is divided into 2 sections. The east side simulates garden type apartments, condominiums, or 2 story single-family residences.  It is commonly referred to as the residential side. The west side commonly referred to as the commercial side as it simulates high racks storage areas, strip centers, small manufacturing occupancies, hotel / motel rooms, or office buildings.

Elevator Shaft

The elevator shaft simulator physically connects the 2 sides of the structure. It is to be used as an area of safe refuge and egress in emergencies, and provide hookup to the standpipe system. Fires are not permitted in this space, or in any space adjacent to the shaft so designated by the signs or floor and wall markings. Vertical access is also provided for in this shaft, via a ladder up through spring loaded floor hatches.

Ventilation

The ventilation hatches on the sloped roof can be used as is or with various roofing materials that may be actually cut out of the hatch, taking care not to damage the surrounding concrete. Safety railings are located beneath each hatch, that do not interfere with the use of roof ladders. Safety line tie off rings are also provided for on the sloped roof.

Balcony

The balcony on the east side is a true cantilever balcony, and should be treated as such. Care should be taken not to overload this area with excessive personnel or equipment. This area is primarily used to remove students from the building in an emergency.

Handrails

All balconies, stairs and landings are equipped with handrails. These rails are not to be used for personnel tie of points for repelling, or stokes lifts.