Pinellas Park Fire Department has opened a new four-story training tower behind Fire Station 35 to expand hands-on training. The facility, opened earlier this year, includes eight burn rooms and is designed to simulate emergencies in condos, apartments and other structures.
Lt. Bradley Rogers said crews are practicing hose-line work through spaces that mimic home interiors and obstacles.
Division Chief of Training T.J. Layfield noted the tower offers more opportunities to build skills and provide proper training, addressing recruitment and retention amid a statewide firefighter shortage.
Officials say the tower is the county’s fourth facility of its kind and will be available to other departments.
For More Information: https://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2026/08/20/pinellas-park-fire-department-builds-new-training-tower
