The Fire Department currently does not have a local facility capable of conducting live fire training. A fire tower training prop would serve to benefit fire personnel in a multifaceted approach. Live fire training increases the operational competency and readiness of personnel. The ability to conduct NFPA 1403-compliant fire training evolutions improves safety and reduces the chance of firefighter injury or death. A local option will have a positive impact on employee retention and morale and increase the number and types of training offered. It will also allow for training with the City’s automatic aid partners in surrounding counties and may even afford the opportunity to offer a local new recruit training academy allowing for quicker and customizable training to get new recruits released to duty. A burn training facility offers personnel the opportunity to fight “live” fire under supervision and for direct application to real-world, life-threating events. There is potential for cost participation with James City County and York County Project is included City of Williamsburg FY 2024- 2028 CIP. As of August 26, 2024, project is funded for FY2025-2026, for planning purposes only at this time. Per owner, they are currently working on a master plan for a joint public safety training center that will provide them with some budget guidance. They hope to have the master plan completed by the end of the year and at that time they will have a better understanding on the feasibility and schedule to the project.
*Project information has been obtained through a public capital improvement plan (CIP). A CIP is a financial schedule for short- and long-range projects which is updated regularly. Information listed in the CIP often evolves based on funding availability and the project details, including timeline and value, are subject to change. The content management team will continue to pursue additional details as they become available.
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