DONATE YOUR STRUCTURE TODAY

Your vacant building or structure in transition can provide a valuable community service.

Poudre Fire Authority (PFA) has an extensive training facility on W. Vine Dr. but nothing can replace experience in a real environment. The PFA Training Division develops and coordinates thousands of hours of hands-on training for responders including live burns, high-angle rescues, urban search and rescue scenarios, motor vehicle accident extrications, and more. This dedication to training helps keep firefighters safe while fulfilling their mission to protect life and property. Now there is a way for you to help first responders with that training.

Do you have a structure—residential, commercial, outbuilding, or other—that is in transition, damaged, awaiting demolition, or simply sitting vacant? If so, please consider participating in PFA’s Acquired Structure Training (AST) program which allows first responders to temporarily use the space for trainings.

The AST program provides valuable, hands-on training for on-the-line firefighters and fire investigators.   

What’s an acquired structure?

An acquired structure is a structure that is temporarily donated to PFA for a pre-determined amount of time and for the purpose of training. Structures can be donated for just a couple of 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 does PFA need acquired structures?

Acquired structures provide a level of realism in training that cannot be replicated in a fixed facility. These structures are incredible learning platforms. Even one section of a structure can provide thousands of hours of realistic training to firefighters, captains, and battalion chiefs.

PFA firefighters will often ask building owners or property representatives if they can walk through a building to help prepare for an emergency. An understanding of how a building is constructed helps firefighters know how it will behave under fire conditions. Other times, firefighters will ask to stretch dry hose in stairwells and hallways or throw ladders to practice skills at that location.  

What kind of property can be donated?

The types of structures we could use for training are almost as varied as the incidents that could happen in them. Our program manager can discuss individual properties on a case-by-case basis so please reach out if you have any questions.

Accepted properties can be:

• Commercial or residential.
• Temporarily or permanently vacant.
• Slated for demolition in the near or distant future.

What kind of property cannot be donated?

We cannot use structurally unsound environments. We cannot accept the donation if the structure is to the point of being hazardous or if there are other safety risks such as rodent infestations or biohazards.

What are the requirements for donating a structure?

We accept all types of buildings, with a few caveats. Requirements for donation to PFA are: 

• The building must be within PFA’s jurisdiction (call or email if you are unsure if your structure is inside the jurisdiction). 
• Letters are exchanged authorizing fire department use of the building and our responsibilities to the property owner. 
• If seeking a tax deduction, an appraisal per IRS form 8283, must be conducted prior to PFA performing drills. 

The following is ONLY for destructive trainings (see below for more information on this type of training) and not all donations.

• A demolition permit must be issued. (Our destructive training is considered demolition).
• All utilities must be disconnected. 
• An asbestos survey is required. (Required for demolition permit) 
• Proof of ownership and the discontinuance of damage insurance are required. 

What type of training could happen in the structure?

The type of training will vary based on the occupancy, type of structure, and where it is in its lifetime. All training is customizable. We will scale it and plan around the traits of your building and your timeline, creating truly unique and realistic scenarios. We can also adapt to the timeline of your projects to meet your deadlines.

No live fire will be used in trainings in acquired structures at this time, unless specially arranged with the help of other resources and/or programs. 

NON-DESTRUCTIVE TRAINING

This type of training ensures that there is no damage to the property. This is the simplest and most-flexible type of training our firefighters perform.

DESTRUCTIVE TRAINING

This type of training provides realistic training for firefighters in all disciplines and will require additional paperwork. Our program manager will help every step of the way. This type of training allows our firefighters to conduct operations as if it were the real thing. Examples would include practicing fire attack methods, ventilation, forcible entry, and firefighter survival techniques. The type of destructive training will be outlined by the Training Division and Acquired Structure Training program representative and in coordination with the building owner.

How do you donate to the Acquired Structure Training Program?

The AST program manager will work with you directly to answer any questions and guide you through the process.

STEPS TO DONATE

1. Discussion with property owner and the PFA Training Division
2. Initial walk through and review of property
3. Documentation and paperwork – PFA will assist every step of the way
4. Approval by training chief

Contact Us

If you have any questions, or are interested in donating a structure, contact The PFA Training Division

Email: Training@Poudre-Fire.org

Phone: 970-416-2613