SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. — The Spokane Valley Fire Department has unveiled a new training facility and burn tower designed to meet the growing needs of the department and provide regional training opportunities.
According to Spokane Valley Fire Department, the new 13,000-square-foot facility, which includes state-of-the-art classrooms, will allow the department to accommodate larger groups of firefighters and organizations. According to the press release, the previous training facility reportedly had only one classroom and lacked key amenities, including locker rooms, showers, a decontamination area, SCBA bottle-filling capabilities and office space. The old burn building was also outdated.
The new training center is said to feature a spacious indoor area where firefighters can conduct real-life scenarios year-round, unaffected by extreme weather conditions. It includes a two-story residential house layout for training exercises such as search and rescue, helping to keep Spokane Valley firefighters’ skills sharp throughout the year. Additionally, the facility offers a decontamination area and a personal protective equipment (PPE) washing station to remove cancer-causing agents from gear, enhancing firefighter safety.
“This state-of-the-art facility serves as both a training center and a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence in firefighting and emergency response,” said Deputy Chief Tom Hatley of the Spokane Valley Fire Department. “Spokane Valley firefighters and neighboring fire agencies will utilize this facility to ensure they remain among the best in the country. Training is a vital part of our culture, and this facility enhances our ability to challenge our firefighters to become highly skilled and well-trained professionals.”
