Whitby Fire and Emergency Services (WFES) is building a new state-of-the-art training tower at Fire Headquarters (111 McKinney Drive).
Construction is progressing well, with the project expected to be completed later this year. Major work on the burn rooms and specialized training props is already underway, with remaining work focused on final safety equipment installation, inspections, and certifications before the tower becomes operational.
This new facility is designed to prepare firefighters for the wide variety of buildings and emergency situations they may encounter throughout the community.
The training tower will provide realistic, hands-on training opportunities that reflect the evolving landscape of Whitby. One side of the tower is designed to resemble a two-storey residential home, while other sides will simulate a downtown streetscape, a high-rise building, and an industrial setting. This variety will allow firefighters to train in environments that mirror the homes, businesses, and developments they serve every day, said a project report.
Quick Facts
- The tower is being built during a milestone year for Whitby Fire and Emergency Services, which is celebrating its 175th anniversary.
- The training tower is being constructed at Whitby Fire Headquarters, located at 111 McKinney Drive.
- The facility is designed to replicate the variety of building types found throughout Whitby, including residential, downtown, high-rise, and industrial environments.
- Firefighters will use the tower to train for high-rise firefighting, technical rescues, search-and-rescue operations, and live-fire exercises.
- WFES firefighters participate in ongoing training throughout their careers to maintain emergency response readiness.