JOHNSTON, Iowa – The Iowa State Fire Marshal Division and Fire Service Training Bureau are proud to announce the completion of a state-of-the-art training tower after a grand opening ceremony this morning. Located at Camp Dodge, this new facility is set to become a vital resource for firefighter training across the state.

“As the Iowa State Fire Marshal, firefighter training and safety are very important to me,” says Iowa State Fire Marshal Dan Wood. “This FAST Center will give Iowa’s Fire Service a place to train and learn for years to come.”

The construction was overseen by the Iowa Fire Service Training Bureau with a $2.1 million appropriation from Iowa legislators in FY23. The tower stands as a testament to cutting-edge design and functionality in firefighter training.

The Iowa Army National Guard provided the land for this project, contributing to a collaborative effort that promises to enhance public safety services statewide. The training tower itself is a four-story structure, featuring a two-story residential/commercial unit and a one-story annex. It boasts a parapet roof system complete with four rappelling anchors and an interior staircase spanning all four levels, in addition to a ladder leading to a roof hatch.

Firefighters will have access to two live fire burn rooms equipped with ceramic heat-resistant tiles located in the residential/commercial section. These rooms are strategically placed on the first and second floors, allowing for realistic and safe training scenarios.

The structure also includes a roof ventilation training prop on the second story’s pitched roof, along with comprehensive temperature monitoring throughout the building to ensure the safety and effectiveness of training exercises.

The new facility measures approximately 72 feet by 22 feet, offering ample space for a variety of training exercises that are crucial for preparing Iowa’s firefighters for real-world situations.

This new addition underscores the commitment of the Iowa State Fire Marshal Division to provide top-tier resources and training opportunities for first responders.