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Fire department suppression training resources

A determined-looking firefighter walks away from a cluster of firetrucks, loaded with equipment and holding a pole and electronic device
Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

Fire department suppression training resources

All fire suppression training must conform to the guidelines established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard on Live Fire Training Evolutions (NFPA 1403). NFPA 1403 provides guidelines for preparing a structure for a live fire training, choosing the proper fuel materials, and instructor qualifications. Visit NFPA.org to access this standard and more information. 

Fire suppression training guidance document (PDF)

In addition to conforming to NFPA 1403, fire suppression personnel must comply with applicable environmental regulations and minimize the effect fire suppression training has on the environment. The following information includes measures to be considered prior to conducting fire suppression training.

  • Choose an acceptable location. Training should not be conducted within two miles of a school, nursing home, hospital, or other public facility.
  • Contact residents that may be affected by smoke or odor. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), Air Quality Division (AQD) may require that the training be suspended immediately if complaints are received by the district office about the training exercise.
  • Choose an acceptable accelerant. Straw, clean wood, or other non-hazardous materials are acceptable. Do not use tires, gasoline, garbage, furniture, or other hazardous materials. (Acceptable fuels are listed in NFPA 1403.)
  • Remove asbestos. The building must be thoroughly inspected by an accredited asbestos building inspector and all asbestos must be removed by properly qualified personnel. To find a licensed contractor go to Michigan.gov/Asbestos and use the Verify A License/Accreditation database. 

Notify EGLE

You must notify the EGLE asbestos program of asbestos removal and the intentional burn by completing and submitting the “Notice of Intent to Renovate/Demolish” form at least 10 working days prior to either activity through the electronic submittal process. Any revisions can be made using this website.

  • Register and submit the electronic form

    Any revisions can be made using the same system you submitted the form in.

    If you have any questions about complying with the asbestos National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) and intentional burns, visit our asbestos NESHAP page.

  • Remove all solid waste, including furniture

    Solid waste materials cannot be burned as part of a training exercise. This includes furniture, appliances, scrap tires and household garbage.

    Waste materials removed from the premises should either be reused, recycled, or appropriately disposed. 

  • Remove all household hazardous waste

    Including hazardous materials in devices like mercury switches, batteries, fluorescent light bulbs and any other hazardous materials.

    The contaminants emitted from the burning of these materials are extremely toxic and pose a health and safety risk to firefighters participating in the exercise and residents living nearby.

  • Contact EGLE district office air quality staff

    The district office should be made aware of the training exercise because they respond to air quality complaints and will need to know about activities in the area that may be generating air pollution.

    They can also answer questions about what can and cannot be included in a fire suppression training.

After the training

Once the training is completed, dispose of remnants properly. The remaining waste material from the fire suppression training should be hauled to an appropriate disposal facility. To get to solid waste program resources/details, visit our solid waste page.

For assistance with local disposal options, contact EGLE’s solid waste program staff in the district office.

Contact information

For questions about compliance with NFPA 1403, contact the Bureau of Fire Services at 517-241-8847 or Michigan.gov/BFS.

For small businesses, contact the Michigan Clean Air Assistance Program (CAAP). The CAAP is designed to help small business understand and comply with Federal and State air quality rules and regulations.

For general questions, contact our Environmental Assistance Center at EGLE-Assist@Michigan.gov or 800-662-9278.

Additional resources