By Ryan Harris
Chattanooga Times Free Press
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Fire chiefs with departments in Northwest Georgia and Southeast Tennessee said their units could benefit from the regional training center proposed for Chattanooga's Enterprise South Industrial Park.
"As we grow as a region, there is going to be more of a call to work together," said Cleveland, Tenn., Fire Chief Chuck Atchley. "No one can afford to go at it alone."
But fire officials in the region said they cannot pledge support for the training complex until a more detailed plan is developed.
Walker County, Ga., Fire and Rescue Chief Randy Camp said a regional training facility partnership could spread the financial burden and help rural areas improve their fire insurance ratings by having better access to training facilities.
He said rural fire departments specifically need a building to practice live burns.
"It's hard to justify to your city council or county commission $1.5 million for a burn building," Chief Camp said. "If you share the cost, it's joint ownership."
Chattanooga since March has been eyeing 30 acres on the northwestern corner of the Enterprise South site off Highway 58. But Hamilton County Commissioner Jim Coppinger, a former Chattanooga fire chief, has questioned the potential $30 million price tag for developing a facility.
Chattanooga Assistant Fire Chief Chris Adams said that section of the industrial park is unfit for commercial use because of a landfill, underground tanks and other problem features, but is ideal for a firefighter training site.
He said a sinkhole on the site, for example, could be used as a site for rescue drills.
Mr. Adams said the site would benefit regional fire departments, whose members have to travel to state fire academies in Bell Buckle, Tenn., or Forsyth, Ga.
"Our ultimate goal is to be a satellite of the state," Mr. Adams said.
Karen Alexander, a spokeswoman for the Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy, said state officials were unaware of Chattanooga's plan, but, "It's an interesting concept."
Ms. Alexander said there are no state training requirements for firefighters, but basic firefighting curriculums range from 64 hours to 300 hours. She said state instructors teach classes across the state to help minimize firefighters' travel.
Athens, Tenn., Fire Chief Bob Miller said firefighters still must travel to the state facility in Middle Tennessee for some exercises, such as a live burn. That requires an overnight stay in dormitories that cost $50 a day for lodging and meals, officials said.
Chief Miller said there are many unanswered questions about Chattanooga's proposal, but it makes logistical sense.
"Any place that's within 60 miles, the guys can almost drive back and forth," Chief Miller said.
Walker County's Chief Camp and Catoosa County, Ga., Fire and Rescue Lt. Steve Quinn said they would welcome having Georgia certified courses in Chattanooga.
The Georgia fire officials said trips to the state fire academy in Forsyth, Ga., result in time and money wasted.
"(The firefighters) could stay at home and wouldn't have to worry about being away from their families for a week, or two weeks sometimes," Lt. Quinn said.
The Cleveland, Tenn., Fire Department is budgeting to build its own training facility, according to Chief Atchley. He said Chattanooga's proposal would help most by providing unique courses in rescue techniques and hazardous materials response.
"Those are things small departments will never be able to afford," he said.
Copyright 2007 Chattanooga Publishing Company
