Dutchess County has opened its new Live Fire Training Building in Hyde Park. The structure is at the county’s Emergency Response campus at 392 Creek Road. The so-called ‘burn building’ is three stories and was constructed using reinforced shipping containers and features movable wall partitions that can be reconfigured to simulate realistic interior environments such as hallways and rooms.
The new structure cost approximately $700,000. The old building had structural issues and had been taken out of service for more than a year during which time training had to be done elsewhere. The old building was demolished and part of the project to create the new facility.
As part of the event marking the opening of the training building the Dutchess County Fire Training Grounds was dedicated in honor of Ray Nichols, who has served as deputy fire coordinator in the county for nearly 40 years.
At a ribbon-cutting ceremony County Executive Sue Serino said, “This new fire training building is an exciting step forward for firefighter training in Dutchess County. Live burn training is essential, and our firefighters now have a top-tier facility to sharpen their skills safely and effectively. We’re proud to give these brave men and women the tools they need to protect lives and property.”
Live burn exercises allow firefighters to train in real-time fire conditions within a controlled structure, helping them better understand fire behavior, strengthen coordination, and practice making critical decisions safely and effectively.
According to the county’s Emergency Response Commissioner William H. Beale, “This new training building is a game changer for firefighter readiness. It provides cutting edge, scenario driven training that meets modern standards and elevates firefighters’ skills.”
Dutchess County Legislature Chairman Will Truitt said, “This building is the new direction in modern fire service training facilities – a cost-effective solution that gives our local fire departments greater versatility to train for a wide variety of fire and rescue operations.”
