Rhode Island Fire Academy

Exeter, Rhode Island

RGB designed a new Rhode Island Fire Academy headquarters facility. The facility is intended to provide resources and education to standardize elements of fire training knowledge across State's the numerous departments and staff, increasing overall professionalism and expertise while also creating efficiencies in providing training. Students learn in detail everything from health and safety to fire chemistry, control, and behavior.

"The RI Fire Academy is a place that has long been needed," said Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed of the Academy. "We want to make sure that all of our firefighters have the best training and equipment to deal with an increasingly broad array of challenges. They'll get that training here."

The facility includes fire training areas such as a multi-level live fire exercise structure "burn" building, training tower, and exterior props. The 3,550 square foot facility features a secure entry, and equipment storage. Further, a 15,000 square foot training pad and vehicle parking area were developed. Phase 1 of construction was completed at a cost of $5.5 million.

Phase 2 was also awarded to RGB and includes an additional 10,000 square feet that provides classrooms, meeting and dining areas, locker rooms and turnout room, and administrative offices. The Academy cost $9.6 million in total.