The Town of Whitby is planning to build its first-ever fire training tower.

Located at Whitby Fire Headquarters, the four-storey facility will be designed to provide local firefighters with realistic, hands-on training in a safe and controlled environment. It is expected to open later this year.

“As our town continues to grow, so does the need to invest in the safety and well-being of our community,” said Mayor Elizabeth Roy. “This new, state-of-the-art fire training tower is a major step forward in ensuring that Whitby Fire and Emergency Services has the tools and training needed to respond effectively in any situation. It’s an investment in our firefighters, our residents, and the future of our community.                                                                                                            

The tower will be equipped with burn rooms and training props. It will be fuelled by liquid propane, allowing crews to simulate real-life fire scenarios. Firefighters can practice a range of skills, including high-rise firefighting, technical rescues, and search and rescue operations.

One side of the fire tower will be designed to model a two-storey home, while other sides will be modelled to represent the downtown core, a high-rise, and an industrial setting.

Whitby Fire and Emergency Services also plans to use the tower to support public education programs.