By Tiffany Williams –
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey celebrated the opening of a new live-fire training building at the Department of Fire Services’ Bridgewater campus Thursday, joining State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine, Massachusetts Firefighting Academy staff, and fire service leaders from across the state.
“Every day our firefighters put their lives on the line to protect the people of Massachusetts,” Healey said. “They deserve the very best training to prepare for the dangers they face. This new burn building provides exactly that. It’s a critical investment in their safety, their readiness, and their ability to return home to their families.”
The 5,400-square-foot facility features 11 interior burn rooms across three floors, designed to simulate fires in residential, garage, basement, and roof scenarios. Training exercises include triple-decker porches, interior fire extension, standpipe operations, and roof ventilation. In line with safety protocols, firefighters will use straw and food-grade wooden pallets to maintain consistent heat while limiting toxic fumes.
“This new facility offers a wide range of training scenarios to make sure our firefighters are prepared to respond no matter what emergency they face,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.
The Bridgewater campus primarily serves Massachusetts’ six southeastern counties and supports more than 100 local fire departments. It houses personnel from DFS’ Code Compliance & Enforcement Unit, Boiler & Pressure Vessel Safety Program, State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit, and the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. About 120 recruits graduate annually from the campus, and veteran firefighters use the facility to maintain perishable skills, including structural collapse rescue training.
“This burn building is a major milestone in the development of a site that supports over 100 fire departments in southeastern Massachusetts,” said Fire Marshal Davine.
The project is part of an $18 million investment in the 18-acre campus, including paving, a water reclamation system, and upgraded utilities to support future growth. The facility was designed by Dore & Whittier of Newburyport, built by Bond Building, and funded through the Division of Capital Asset Management & Maintenance’s capital budget.
The new burn building is expected to enhance safety, readiness, and skill development for firefighters across the region.