By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
- Structural damage has sidelined two burn buildings in Boulder County, Colorado, disrupting live fire training for area firefighters.
- Inspections revealed safety risks in both the Boulder and Longmont burn buildings, prompting closures.
- The Longmont facility is expected to reopen in January, while the Boulder building remains closed indefinitely.
- Fire agencies are using alternative training methods, including live burn trailers and out‑of‑area facilities.
- Funding challenges exist for repairs or replacement of the Boulder burn building.
BOULDER COUNTY, CO — Live fire training for Boulder County firefighters has been disrupted for months after structural damage forced the closure of burn buildings in Boulder and Longmont, officials said.
An inspection in early 2025 identified safety risks at both facilities, prompting departments to suspend use to protect firefighter safety.
Minor structural issues at the Longmont building are nearing repair, and live burns are scheduled to resume in January, fire officials said. By contrast, the Boulder burn building remains out of commission after more serious damage was found, and there is no set timeline for reopening.
Fire departments in the county have shifted training to alternatives, including live burn trailers and sending recruits to other communities for burn evolutions. Fire leaders said these methods meet training requirements but differ from the experience offered by traditional burn buildings.
Funding for repairs or construction of a new burn building remains a challenge, with estimates for new facilities in the millions of dollars. Fire officials are exploring options, including smaller modular burn structures as a potential lower‑cost solution.