Opened in June 2012, the four-story structure is located next to the City's water tower on Fondren Avenue. Outfitted with a burn simulator to replicate true fire conditions, the facility helps City firefighters maintain proficiency, meet state-mandated continuing education requirements and continue the City's favorable Insurance Services Office (ISO) fire suppression rating.
In the past, although the City had a fire tower and could conduct basic drills, department personnel and equipment had to travel to Collin College Fire Training Facility in McKinney for most of their ongoing training and certification. In addition to limiting training frequency, the use of an out-of-town site resulted in rental fees and overtime pay. Now, University Park Fire Department personnel train while on duty.
Training exercises conducted at the facility include:
- Aerial ladder operations and high-angle rescues
- Building ventilation techniques
- Fire attack/search and rescue
- Forcible building entries
Training Videos