By Camm Ashford
The Chattanooga Fire Department and Hamilton County Emergency Management officially unveiled their new $3 million fire training tower on last Wednesday, marking a significant advancement in firefighter preparedness for the region.
The state-of-the-art facility, located off Amnicola Highway, was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony showcasing its cutting-edge technology and realistic training environments.
“This is a monumental step forward,” said Chattanooga Fire Chief Phil Hyman. “Our department has long deserved a modern, world-class training center, and today, we’re proud to say we have it. This tower will raise the bar for firefighter training and ensure our team is ready for any emergency.”
The new 8,053-square-foot, six-story tower replaces a 50-year-old training structure demolished in late 2023. Construction, which began in June 2024, has culminated in a facility designed to simulate a wide range of real-life emergency scenarios. It features multiple burn rooms, smoke-filled hallways, and rescue simulations, providing firefighters with hands-on experience in challenging situations.
Built by Fire Facilities, a Wisconsin-based company specializing in fire training structures, the tower includes unique props such as garage vehicle fires, industrial rack scenarios, and balcony BBQ grill fires. Realistic sound effects, including cries for help and barking dogs, enhance the immersive training experience.
Advanced technology, like propane systems and wireless controls, allows for detailed and safe live fire training.
“This tower is more than just a training tool,” said John Schauf, Central Regional manager for Fire Facilities. “It’s an investment in the future, ensuring Chattanooga’s firefighters are among the best-prepared in the country.”
The facility is designed for various training activities, including live fire drills, high-rise rescue operations, ventilation exercises, and hose deployment. It will be used regularly by the Chattanooga Fire Department’s Training Division and will also be available to fire departments across Hamilton County and the surrounding region.
Chattanooga Fire Training Chief William Andrews emphasized the tower’s broader impact.
“This tower isn’t just for our firefighters–it’s for the entire community. It will give new and current firefighters world-class training environments to sharpen their skills. It will also be utilized during our Citizen’s Fire Academy to help community members and local leaders better understand the work we do.”
The tower is customized with seven burn rooms designed in collaboration with Fire Facilities and Symtech. Realistic smoke and thermal output, combined with a 40+ sound speaker system, creates an authentic training environment. The garage burn room, for instance, can be used for training on various scenarios, including flammable liquid fires and extinguisher training. The City of Chattanooga and Hamilton County partnered on the project, funding the demolition of the old tower and the construction of the new one. The new tower is expected to play a key role in preparing firefighters for the challenges they face on the job, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and experience needed to respond effectively in emergencies.