Serving Our First Responders
Building a Live Fire Training Facility in Nelson County
At Harman Construction, we are honored to contribute to projects that have a lasting impact on our community—especially when it means serving those who dedicate their lives to keeping us safe. Recently, we had the privilege of constructing a state-of-the-art live fire training facility for Wintergreen Fire and Rescue in Nellysford, Virginia. This “Burn Building” is more than just a structure—it’s a critical training ground for our first responders, designed to prepare them for the intense realities of their work.
Building for Intensity and Longevity
The two-story, 34’ x 28’ concrete building is constructed with CMU, high-temperature thermal linings, and fire brick to withstand extreme heat. During live fire training exercises, temperatures inside the building can exceed 1,000°F, and yet it’s built to endure repeated fires for decades without sustaining damage. Our goal was to create a facility that could serve generations of firefighters with rigorous, realistic training.
A Blueprint for Real-World Training
This facility is designed with multiple rooms, stairs, windows, and doors to simulate various fire scenarios. Firefighters can practice hose hookups using an integrated standpipe system, perform repelling exercises from rooftop anchors, and utilize a roof ventilation hatch to simulate emergency entries. A safe room equipped with temperature gauges records data across different training areas, enhancing safety and providing critical insights during exercises.
A Community-Centric Mission
While relatively small in size, this facility’s impact is enormous. It will not only serve Wintergreen Fire and Rescue but will also be available to all firefighters throughout Nelson County. We are proud to have played a role in building a space that strengthens the skills of our local heroes, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
This project represents our commitment to building with purpose, focusing not only on the physical structures but on the lives and safety of those who protect our community. We’re proud to stand with our first responders, building for their future and ours.
