If you happen by a giant staircase in the middle of the open, no you’re not going crazy. While they may look unfinished, abandoned, out of place, or like something out of a Hollywood stunt set, odds are there’s a much more obvious reason for those bizarre staircases.
These unusual staircases, which usually are designed with no walls, rooms, or upper floor, are often built near fire stations. Learn what these unique staircases are, the important function they serve, and why they’re designed that way.
What Is a Fire Training Staircase?
Some larger fire stations in the United States feature these structures, also known as stair towers, drill towers, or training towers, as part of firefighting training.
They can be designed in different ways, but usually are simple exposed stair flights and platforms. Some are stand-alone structures while others are attached to other structures. Their open-air design allows training firefighters to focus on the difficult task of climbing stairs under heavy weight or unfavorable conditions.
Because firefighters often climb stairs while carrying hoses, rescue tools, medical equipment, breathing apparatuses, or other gear, it’s important for them to train in those rigorous locations. These training towers allow firefighters to practice these movements in a controlled environment, to build endurance, improve balance and footing, and learn different ways to conserve energy in these situations.
These stairs are also used for hose deployment drills, high-angle training exercises, rescue scenarios, and search exercises to simulate these conditions.
Why Are Fire Training Staircases Designed That Way?
Fire training staircases are designed for instructors to have clear visibility of firefighters during drills, which makes it easier to monitor technique, track performance, and identify potential safety concerns.
An open-air design also allows for training in different weather elements, like heat, humidity, rain, wind, or cold, to mimic real-life conditions while in an emergency scenario.
The design also allows fire departments to use the structure for a wider range of exercises. For instance, departments may also use these towers for other fitness training, stair climb events, and competitions to test endurance and strength. Those could be used by fire departments or shared with other first responders, public safety agencies, and training organizations as well to make use of the facility.
Where Are These Staircases Usually Located?
You’re most likely to see a firefighter training staircase at fire academies, public safety training campuses, firefighter training centers, and larger fire stations. Most are isolated structures, however some may be attached to a larger training facility that could replicate apartment buildings, offices, industrial sites, hotels, or high-rise buildings.
Those weird staircases that may look like they lead to nowhere aren’t actually out of place or unfinished. So the next time you see one, remember they serve a special purpose to prepare firefighters for the physical demands of real-world emergencies.
Sources
Fire Engineering, “The Ups and Downs of Understanding High-Rise Stairwells”
Fire Training Structures, “How a Fire Training Tower Simulates Firefighting in High-Rise Buildings”
Fire Facilities, “Firefighter Combat Challenge Stair Tower”
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