Acquired Structures – Training Saves Lives

Acquired Structure Training (AST)

Denver Fire Department’s Training Division operates an educational program that greatly increases our firefighter’s ability to protect Life and Property.  These training exercises are held in real buildings donated from the community. These Acquired Structures have proven invaluable as a tool to grow our firefighter’s ability to protect the public and stay safe while doing so. Denver Fire Department actively seeks out these buildings for donation.  Training in donated city buildings provides an unparalleled level of realism and hands-on experience that cannot be replicated at our fixed training facility. These buildings give one final community service before they are torn down. Every year, the donation of buildings provides thousands of hours of realistic training to Denver Firefighters.

Training Types

Non-Destructive Training

This type of training ensures that there is no damage to the property.  Building assemblies are not breached and no demolition permit is required. This is the simplest and most-flexible type of training our firefighters perform. This training type can include; Study of building construction and layout. Stretching of dry hoses and placement of ladders. Locating and removing trapped occupants.  

Destructive Training

This type of training provides realistic training for firefighters in all disciplines. This type of training allows our firefighters to conduct operations as if it were the real thing. Examples include practicing fire attack methods, ventilation, forcible entry, search and rescue methods, and firefighter survival techniques. The type of destructive training will be outlined by the AST program representative, in coordination with the building owner.  
Ideally, we like to have a building donated for training over several days. Some sites and timelines allow for a longer training cycle, others do not. In the past, some sites have allowed weeks of training, based on the demolition schedule. We work to maximize the buildings use by our personnel while considering and minimizing the impact it will have on the neighborhood.  

Contact Us

DFDacquired@denvergov.org

Donate

To begin the donation process, please fill out the Structure Intake Form Below. An AST program representative will be assigned to guide you through the donation process.  For any questions regarding the program or donation please reach out via email.

Structure Intake Form

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Structure Address
Are you or do you represent the structure owner