New Kamloops fire training centre on schedule with state of the art structure | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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New Kamloops fire training centre on schedule with state of the art structure

Work on the new Kamloops fire training grounds in November 2016. The former training grounds are in the background, with the old burn building the scorched, black structure near the middle of the photo.
Image Credit: Contributed by Matt Kachel/City of Kamloops

KAMLOOPS - As the old one is decommissioned, a new Kamloops fire training centre is being built.

The structure of the new, metal burn building is already being constructed, despite the winter weather, while a permanent classroom is slated to break ground once the ground thaws.

Capital projects supervisor Matt Kachel says the new burn building is slated to be up and running on April 1, while the classroom is scheduled to open in June, though that’s weather dependant.

“Everything I’ve heard from the contractor is that we’re opening on schedule,” he says. “When it thaws out in the spring everyones going to able to see what it’s going to look like.”

The burn building is a pre-engineered structure made of steel, which means it could be put up in the cold weather, Kachel says.

Assistant Capt. Steve Robinson says the April 1 opening of the burn building matches closely to when Kamloops Fire Rescue would usually ramp up live fire exercises.

With the new building comes some new technology, including a cleaner burning flame and more durable structure. Robinson says firefighters are looking forward to try out the new structure.

The move also means the fire department will take over one of the WW2 era naval bunkers as a place to store equipment.

The fire training centre had to be moved after B.C. Hydro purchased the land it was located on from the city for more than $6 million. Part of that price tag included $2 million to rebuild the training ground in a new location — across the road. The final cost of the relocation and new structures is estimated by the city to be around $2.6 million with the city covering the difference. The training centre will still be on public works land at the end of Bunker Road in Sahali. 


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