Acquired Structure Program
The Fargo Fire Department’s Acquired Structure Program actively seeks out buildings to use for fire department training. Acquired buildings provide a valuable hands-on experience for our personnel that can’t be duplicated in a fixed training facility. This program would not be possible without the homeowners, property owners, and business owners within our community who grant access to their properties for fire department use.
What is an acquired structure?
An acquired structure is any building or property where the owner temporarily allows access to the Fargo Fire Department for a pre-determined amount of time and for the purpose of training. Properties can be utilized for a few days or several weeks. Consider allowing your structure to provide a valuable community service as it reaches the end of its life or waits for its next use.
Why do we need acquired structures?
Acquired structures provide a level of realism that we cannot replicate using a fixed training facility. The lack of familiarity with acquired structures provides a real-world experience for our personnel that best replicates their experiences during live emergency events.
What kind of properties can be used?
We can make use of almost any type of property:
- Commercial
- Residential
- Temporarily or permanently vacant
- Slated for demolition in either the near or distant future
What kind of properties cannot be used?
We are willing to train in all types of buildings with a few restrictions:
- Buildings must be within the jurisdictional response area of the Fargo Fire Department (reside within the city limits of Fargo)
- We cannot accept buildings that are structurally unsound (Structures must be capable of withstanding the stresses of a hands-on training exercise and provide a safe environment for our personnel to operate in)
- We cannot accept buildings that contain hazardous materials or hazardous conditions
- Buildings must be free from biohazards (Fluids, needles, deceased animals, etc.)
- Buildings must be free from rodent or insect infestations
- Buildings must be free from any other known hazardous chemicals or materials
- Buildings and/or sites must be able to be secured to prevent an attractive nuisance.
What kind of training is performed in these structures?
Training exercises can consist of one, or a combination, of two varieties:
Non-Destructive Training
This type of training ensures that no structural damage is done to the property. Cosmetic damage may still occur during training activities. This is the simplest and most flexible type of training
- Blind searches
- Stretching of dry hose lines
- Medical scenarios
- Other technical training that can be performed without causing structural damage
Non-Destructive training requires:
- Proof of ownership
- A stated timeframe where fire department use is authorized
- A signed liability waiver
- A walkthrough of the structure by a fire department representative to ensure the structure is suitable for training
- Keyed or otherwise suitable access to the building by a fire department representative
Destructive Training
This type of training is the most realistic and most valuable to our firefighters:
- Flowing water inside the structure
- Forcing doors
- Breaching walls
- Ventilating roofs and windows with the use of both hand and power tools
Destructive Training requirements are the same as the above Non-Destructive Training requirements, with a few additional steps:
- A demolition permit must be issued (destructive training is considered part of the property owner’s demolition of the property)
- All utilities must be disconnected
- Any asbestos mitigation work must be completed at the property owner’s expense prior to any training event taking place
- Any restriction(s) as to the variety or amount of destruction authorized should be made known in writing
The City of Fargo does not authorize the use of live fire within an acquired structure
How do I lend my structure?
- Notify the Fire Department that you are interested in allowing access to your structure for training purposes via the contact form below
- You will be contacted by a member of the Fargo Fire Department to screen your property for potential use
- If your property is eligible for use, a site visit will be scheduled
- The proper documentation is filed
- Training within your structure is scheduled
- Upon completion of the scheduled training, FFD will coordinate returning keys and access to the property owner