Fire training structure dedicated in Minden

Just days after its dedication, the regional fire academy were using a new training structure named for East Fork Battalion Chief Charles “Scott” Fraser.

On Saturday, more than 100 people attended the dedication held at East Fork Fire Protection District Station 14 in Minden.

The structure was named for Fraser, who died last year after a full 25-year career with the district. 

“The new structure is just a starting point for the district’s efforts to establish an in-district training facility on available land behind its Fire Station 14 on County Road in Minden,” Chief Tod Carlini said.

The new structure is a collection of shipping containers that have been stacked and modified to create a four-story training prop. 

The structure was designed by the district.  Gary Thurm from Three Castles Engineering was hired to provide all the structural engineering necessary.  RO Anderson Engineers provided the site and civil engineering for the project. 

The new structure features two specially designed forcible entry doors, an interior stairway, exterior stairs to the fourth level, and a maze-like interior.  The structure also has interior lighting and with the use of artificial smoke devices and flashing red lights, the interior spaces can simulate fire.  The structure was designed as a non-burn structure.  A special roof ventilation prop has been ordered and will be installed in August. 

The project was started several years ago before the coronavirus outbreak but delayed due to economic uncertainty.  A contract was awarded to Simerson Construction in October 2023 for just over $600,000.  The work around the structure simulates a typical street corner with curb and gutter.  Once the entire site is developed in several more phases, an asphalt roadway will circle the structure.

Carlini cited Fraser’s constant persistence for such a structure. 

“Fraser came to East Fork as a dedicated fire and emergency medical services training captain,” he said.

He also served as a volunteer for the Ranchos Volunteer Department prior to his employment with the district. 

“Scott had a passion for training staff and volunteers,” Carlini said. “This training structure will allow the district to expand its training capabilities for structural firefighting.”

May is Wildfire Awareness Month and on Friday the Nevada Division of Forestry conducted a wildfire response simulation with firefighters from NDF, Bureau of Land Management, USDA Forest Service, North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, and Mt. Charleston Fire Protection District.

The exercise wrapped up five days of intensive training to prepare firefighters for the 2024 fire season.