QEM Fire Protection District renovates fire tower
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An open house is being planned for the spring to showcase the renovations at QEM that included replacement of fire tiles in two burn rooms; installation of a new pyrometer/temperature meter with six sensors; new burn table, doors, vents, and exterior lights; and repairs to interior water pipes.
The QEM Fire Protection District of Elsah/Grafton, recently completed a renovation of its three-story live fire training tower.
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Construction of the three-story live fire training tower is completed at the QEM Fire Protection District. QEM plans to partner with Illinois Fire Service Institute to provide on-site training for Illinois firefighters and other first responders in the future.
The project began on March 8, 2022, and was completed on Dec. 14, 2022, according to a press release from QEM. The renovations included the replacement of fire tiles in two burn rooms; installation of a new pyrometer/temperature meter with six sensors; new burn table, doors, vents, and exterior lights; and repairs to interior water pipes. The exterior of the tower was also painted.
On Nov. 15, 2022, the fire tower received an in-depth, Non-Gas Fired/Five-Year Inspection by Response Structural Engineers, a licensed professional structural engineering firm based in California, with live fire training structure experience and expertise.
“This inspection is required by the National Fire Protection Act (NFPA) 1403, which requires that the structural integrity of fire training structures be evaluated every five years, with recommendations made for repairs, maintenance, and improvement,” stated the release from QEM. “The renovations passed all inspection requirements and recommendations were made for future maintenance and improvements in a formal report.”
Fire Facilities, Inc.,of Sun Prairie, Wis., manufacturer of the fire tower, provided materials for the renovation and arrangements for the inspection by the structural engineer. TMI Coatings of St. Paul, Minn., painting and restoration contractors, provided technical expertise and painters. Bollinger Services of Grafton, general contractor, provided labor and materials.
Future plans for the fire tower include partnering with the Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI). located on the campus of the University of Illinois, to provide on-site training for Illinois firefighters and other first responders. This training will include cornerstone and certification classes taught in the classroom and live fire training exercises taught at the fire tower.
Plans are currently being developed by the QEM Auxiliary to host an open house of the fire tower, classroom, and fire station later this Spring.
