Submitted
The Courtenay Fire Department training ground in East Courtenay has taken another step forward, as tree cutting and site preparation began this week.
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.
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 www.courtenay.ca.