The cities of Irving and Grand Prairie will soon share more than a geographical border. Next year, the cities will both begin using a new training facility near State Highway 161 and Belt Line Road.
The state-of-the-art facility, which broke ground in July, is a partnership between the Irving and Grand Prairie fire departments. The facility benefits both cities by allowing their fire departments to use the same space, rather than each building its own facility — saving millions for taxpayers in each city. The estimated completion date is March 2017.
The fire facility’s components will include an indoor and outdoor classroom, office space, training tarmac, and various outdoor training simulators for confined space, high-angle and trench rescue, vehicle extrication and positive pressure fire attack. Also, the space will house a five-story, multi-use fire training tower, which will simulate the various forms of construction firefighters and emergency services personnel encounter.
The facility will contain three fire simulators for active fire combat training, as well as various search and rescue areas. Also, it will include several acres of tarmac for driver and equipment training.
Thanks to the joint effort of both cities, fire personnel will have the ability to train more often in a safe, updated facility.
The building is phase one of a 38.8-acre Fire-Police Master Planned Facility. Once completed, the center will include administrative offices, training and fitness facilities for both emergency services departments, police dispatch for Irving’s North Station and a fire apparatus storage building.
