NORTH PORT (SNN TV) – North Port Fire Rescue shows off its new six-story tower and burn building.
The $2 million tower allows the city’s firefighters to hone their skills in scenarios including tactical rescue and live fire responses. These simulate nearly every structure in the city.
The Herald-Tribune reports about $1.3 million was paid from the optional local sales tax levied by Sarasota County. The remainder came from city fire district funds.
The tower’s made up of 30 shipping containers that simulate one and two-story homes. The walls are removable so fire rescue can change the floor plan every time they do a training scenario. The third floor mimics apartments.
Until now, North Port firefighters used the Englewood Fire Training Center, but now the tower’s location in North Port makes crews more available to respond to calls.