Facility Safety Measures

The RMESTC was designed to be friendly to the environment. The propane fueled fire provides dense smoke that dissipates quickly due to the lack of heavy carbon particles. Additional non-toxic smoke can be added to any of the training scenarios to increase the level of difficulty for the ARFF personnel. Although the runoff from the fire fighting contains virtually no contaminants, the water is collected in a system that can hold the residue, or it can be pumped into the municipal sewage treatment plant.

The training center was also designed with redundant safety systems to insure the greatest level of safety for students and instructors. The computer-controlled equipment requires a complete safety system check prior to each burn. The computer monitors each training event to detect any abnormalities and can shut the burn down immediately if necessary. In addition, there are a number of manual shut-offs positioned near the instructor's assistants and a hand-held radio system that also has the ability to shut down any of the systems. On-site medical assistance and a fully equipped medical room are provided in case of emergency.

A large number of breathing apparatus, bunker/turn-outs, entry tools, jaws of life, and other training equipment are located at the facility, many of which were purchased in 2008. An on-site air filling station insures breathing apparatus units are always ready for training. The training building is well equipped with desks, tables, and other training aids including a wide range of video equipment.