New training tower to help Lexington firefighters practice life-saving techniques

Lexington fire and city officials gathered Wednesday to open a five-story training tower that will help firefighters prepare for emergencies in high-rise and commercial buildings.

“This new tower will ensure that Lexington firefighters continue to be among the best-trained firefighters in our state and in our nation,” Mayor Jim Gray said. “Public safety is our top priority, and that means making sure our firefighters have the training they need to handle the unique challenges in Lexington.”

Gray and Fire Chief Kristin Chilton cut the ribbon for the metal tower, which has a sprinkler system and water hookups for fire engines. During the opening ceremony Wednesday, firefighters demonstrated various techniques that can be practiced using the tower.

The new tower replaces a concrete block training structure that was built in the 1970s and was torn down in 2012.

This story was originally published September 6, 2017 at 4:35 PM with the headline "New training tower to help Lexington firefighters practice life-saving techniques."