The Courtenay Fire Department training ground in East Courtenay is taking another step forward, with tree cutting and site preparation starting on Monday, September 22, 2014.

The 3.36 acre property is located on Waters Place off Lerwick Road, between Home Depot, Costco, and the BC Hydro substation.

The facility will feature a training area encircled by a built-to-scale city street, working fire hydrants, and space for driver training and pumper operator training.

The highlight of the facility will be a new live fire training building. Constructed from cost-effective sea containers, the building will offer natural gas fire simulation and artificial smoke, and the ability to turn the fire on and off by a switch. Movable walls and floor plans will simulate a residential home, hotel, motel, or commercial building.

The projected completion for the training ground is May 2015.

As part of an overall fire-service review, two independent third-party reports recommended that Courtenay construct a training ground tailored to the city’s specific community needs, along with a second fire hall in East Courtenay.

Planning for a second satellite fire hall will begin in 2015, subject to further design and cost review.

For more information on the fire service review, including background reports and presentations, visit the project webpage:

Fire Service Review