County, city and regional chiefs discuss modular burn building, site access and water needs

Fire and public-safety officials described a proposed modular training structure — roughly composed of stacked 20-by-40 container modules — and the logistics needed to site it at the back of the County Complex.

Terry Plummer, Dover fire chief, and other presenters said the footprint is relatively small but requires room for apparatus to access all sides, a parking area for training days, and a water supply for live burns. Officials said training burns would use hay as a fuel to generate realistic heat without thick black smoke.

Staff described options to supply water: tapping an existing hydrant higher on the site and running a temporary line from the road, or installing a new permanent hydrant later. County maintenance staff said they could call a county wood supplier with equipment to clear brush and level piles and that much of the ground could remain gravel rather than needing a concrete foundation.

Participants discussed mitigation steps for nearby public access (a boat launch) and routine tactical training. Police and fire representatives said they use vacant buildings and special training sites, and that signage and temporary message boards can be used to warn the public on training days.

Staff said the training structure, once placed in the logging area, would be made available to other regional fire departments; they intend to document that access in a memorandum of understanding.

No formal vote was taken specifically on the training site during the discussion recorded; staff and commissioners agreed to continue site work and to coordinate logistics with maintenance and regional partners.