TACOMA, WA — BNBuilders has officially broken ground on the new Fire Service Training Center at Bates Technical College, a critical project that will support the next generation of first responders in the South Sound.
Designed by Miller Hull, the project includes a new 34,600-square-foot academic and fire training support facility and an 18,900-square-foot, five-story live fire training tower. The site will also feature outdoor training spaces, expanded drill grounds, and a variety of fire training props to provide hands-on learning in realistic scenarios.
"This new Fire Service Training Center represents a major investment in our students, our community, and the future of public safety," said Dr. Lin Zhou, President of Bates Technical College. "We are proud to partner with BNBuilders and Miller Hull to bring this vital facility to life. It will provide our students with the hands-on, real-world training they need to respond with skill and confidence in critical situations."
The new center will support Bates' fire service program, which trains students in firefighting, emergency medical response, and hazardous materials handling. As the demand for skilled firefighters continues to grow, this facility will be a vital hub for workforce development.
The Fire Service Training Center is scheduled for completion in summer 2026.
