LYCOMING COUNTY, Pa. — Firefighters in central Pennsylvania will now be even more prepared when responding to fires. Just recently the fire training facility along West Third Street in Williamsport received much needed repairs.
"The biggest improvement we had is to the burn building. So, the burn building itself was out of service to live fire training for approximately seven years because of deterioration and wear-and-tear of the facility," said Michael Gardner, the president Central Area Fire Chiefs Association.
Firefighter's told Newswatch 16 it was essential to restore the live fire room in the burn building. They can now get firsthand experience of what it's like on a real call.
"To simulate live action is important for local responders because it allows them to feel the heat from the fire and also how thick the smoke is," Gardner said.
The entire $250,000 renovation project was funded by both Lycoming County and the First Community Foundation Partnership.
"This particular project is focused on the people who serve our community every day," said Jennifer Wilson, the president of First Community Foundation Partnership. "They show service, courage and commitment to our county so how could we not provide them with the best tools to do their job."
"Firefighters really get to experience what it is like being in a building that is on fire... that's why we decided as a board of commissioners to help fund to redo this building," said Tony Mussare, a Lycoming County Commissioner.
The training facility also got two new trailers for offices and storage space. The space here is used quite often, especially to help teach and train volunteers.
"We primarily use it for a basic fire academy for our volunteers. It is a three month process and we do that twice a year. At the end of the program we are testing to a firefighter 1 level which is a national certification for our first responders," Gardner added.
Fire companies in Tioga, Union, and Sullivan counties will also be able to use the training facility.