Tacoma college to build $42M fire-training center. Here’s what’s inside
Bates Technical College later this month will break ground on its new Fire Service Training Center, a $42 million project that will offer students more opportunities for hands-on learning.
The result of funds allocated by the state Legislature in 2023, the new building will take the place of a commercial truck-driving lot on the school’s South Campus located just off I-5 near Tacoma’s border with Lakewood and will feature a live fire-training structure, drill yards and a mock fire station in addition to classrooms. The building’s features will provide students with an opportunity to practice search-and-rescue drills and other real-word scenarios, according to a news release from the technical college .
“This building is an investment in the future of our students and the safety of our communities,” college president Lin Zhou said in a release. “We are proud to provide our students with a learning environment that reflects the realities of the field and meets the rigorous standards of today’s fire service. This project represents our commitment to workforce education and to serving as a trusted training partner for our region’s first responders.”
The building, expected to open in 2026, is on track to become Bates’ first all-electric building.
“The entire team of fire service instructors is thrilled to see this project come to life,” Adam Cabeza, Fire Service program instructor said in the release.
Bates Technical College will be hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the project on May 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the school’s South Campus Auditorium.
This story was originally published May 6, 2025 at 5:15 AM.
