Delta, LCC could partner to build fire training structure

DELTA TWP. – By next fall, the township and Lansing Community College could partner to build a new fire training facility on LCC’s west campus.

Although not yet a done deal, if it’s built, the three-story structure made out of corrugated steel containers would be used by both Delta Township’s 40 firefighters and LCC fire academy students to simulate real-life fire fighting tactics.

The roughly $150,000 cost of construction would likely be split between the township and college, said Delta Township Fire Chief John Clark.

The facility would provide a designated place for regular hands-on fire simulation training. It’s something Clark said his department lacks now. Instead, they utilize homes in the area that are gifted to the department for training burns.

“A few years ago, we started looking at building a training facility,” said Clark. “The next challenge is where do you put it in the township?”

LCC’s West Campus, established in 2004, already utilizes an outdoor fire training compound with both an indoor and outdoor training structure on site. Well over 1,000 students have been through the college’s fire academy.

But Tim Baker, LCC’s program director for public service careers, said the campus doesn’t have a multiple-story training facility. He said that would allow for aerial training sessions.

“We always want to have the best facilities and to make it more challenging for students,” he said.

Baker said his staff was open to the partnership when approached by Clark.

“It would be a great step in the right direction and we’ve got room for it on campus,” he said.

Clark said the facility would require minimal upkeep and could last up to 20 years. He said it could be utilized by other area fire departments, as well.

Delta Township Supervisor Ken Fletcher said township officials have asked Clark to present them with a detailed cost estimate for the project.

“We definitely are interested in pursuing the idea,” he said. “It makes sense to do something together.”

Baker said the exact cost of the facility’s construction hasn’t been finalized. Once it is, both entities will have to approve the project, but he’s hopeful it will move forward.

“I’m sure we’d like to have it happen but you’ve got to go through the right process,” he said.

Clark said if both LCC and township officials approve the project by the end of the year the training facility could be in place by next fall.

Contact Rachel Greco at (517) 528-2075 orrgreco@lsj.com. Follow her on Twitter @GrecoatLSJ.