The following facilities are available to the TFDTC for training purposes.

WATER SUPPLY

The City of Tupelo water system is available for use to provide training from fire hydrants. This includes other City infrastructures such as city streets and parking lot facilities for hose evolutions.

An underground water storage tank is available at the TFDTC for use on the fire ground. The tank capacity is approximately 10,000 gallons. Provisions have been made for water return from the flammable liquids area to replenish the tank. During live fire training, safety lines will be provided through the use of a second engine and tank water.

Water supply at the burn structure is accomplished in two ways. The first is tank supply from the attack engine and secondary shuttle. The second provision is for drafting and supply from the underground storage tank. Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) attack lines shall be from a separate engine company using tank water.

CLASSROOM FACILITIES

The primary classroom available at the TFDTC is approximately 840 square feet. Classroom space is limited to 42 students.

A secondary classroom is located at the Northeast Mississippi Law Enforcement Training Center. This classroom is 800 square feet, with seating capability of 40.

Classroom facilities are also available at Fire Station 1 with 361 square feet with the option for expansion. Classroom space is limited to 18 students without expansion.

DRILL TOWER

A four story training tower is located at 106 Jefferson St.. The tower under went renovation in 1996, with new stairs and safety fences constructed. The tower is suitable for laddering evolutions and rappeling. Various points of entrance and egress are available for training. The tower is equipped with a standpipe connection on the second floor. A working sprinkler head is located on the first floor for simulation purposes.

Access to a complete sprinkler system for training purposes is available through use of the Bancorp South Center. This facility is used for training in operations and identification fire protection systems.

PIT FIRE AREA

The flammable liquids and outside fire training is an area consisting of a 40 feet by 80 feet concrete pad with three burn props. A simulated dumpster fire and vehicle fire is fueled by LP gas and controlled through a main gas control manifold. A 10 feet by 14 feet concrete pit provides 140 square feet of simulated liquid fuel fire area. The water filled pit is fueled by LP gas to simulate a liquid fuel fire. This area can be used for both foam and dry chemical extinguishers.
 

BURN STRUCTURE/BURN BUILDING

A 20 feet by 60 feet Burn Building is available for use in training for structural firefighting. The structure contains three rooms on the first floor. Burn simulators include a couch fire and a kitchen fire. These props are fueled by LP gas with cutoff valves located in each room and outside the room. A pilot light is used to ignite the fire places. There are two rooms up stairs for simulating two story fires, laddering structures, and search and rescue techniques. Smoke for the structure is through use of a smoke barrel, burning hay, and/or theatrical type smoke makers. No toxic products are used in producing the smoke. Specific policies concerning use and safety are contained in sections 10.10 -10.12 of the Standard Operating Guidelines.

ADDITIONAL FACILITIES

Confined Space Training Prop

A confined space simulator combining three underground storage tanks, various pipe works, and restricted entry and egress openings is available for special rescue training.

Driver Training Facilities

Driver training is conducted in one of two locations. The primary driver training site is the closed runway at the Tupelo Regional Airport. This site provides for complete security of the area when driver training is being conducted. The parking facility at the Bancorp South Center is the primary driver training area when hydrant connections are needed. Portions of the parking lot are blocked to prevent motorist from entering the training area.

Equipment and Tools

The TFD possesses all equipment necessary to meet the MSCB Level I Facility requirements. The Division of Special Services shall have access to any and all departmental equipment necessary to complete any training. Some equipment is maintained by the Division of Special Services, while some is placed on in-service apparatus. Special provisions will be made to assure that special rescue tools are made available on an immediate basis in the event that training is being conducted. Hose, tools, and appliances not found on the reserve apparatus may be pulled from in-service units on a temporary basis.

Safety and Security

The location of the TFDTC provides for security by geographic and man-made means. The property is bound by both fences, gates and land structures that prohibit easy access to the facility. During training times the designated Safety Officer shall assure that students, visitors, observers and instructors remain in secure areas to prevent accidental access to dangerous areas.