The Lewis-Arriola Volunteer Fire Department is building a training tower at their main station at Road S.

The three-story structure allows firefighters to train in three specialized burn rooms where controlled fires are lit. They practice fire suppression, ladder installation, forced entry, evacuation and rescue in adverse conditions.

The tower includes sprinkler, hydrant and ventilation technology, a rappelling platform on the roof, and interior and exterior stairways. For safety, heat sensors in the burn room trigger sprinkler systems if the practice fire gets too hot. Cutting props in the room add to the training.

Construction costs are estimated at $300,000 for the 1,500-square-foot structure.

“We have been saving money for this, and it will provide good training,” said Chief George Deavers.

It also saves the department the costs of travel for tower training elsewhere, he said, and keeps firefighter certifications up to date. It could be made available for other fire departments to train on.

Planning is underway and construction is expected to be complete by this summer.