Industry: Fire Department
Location: Angola, Indiana
Use Case: Live Fire Training Structure
Container Types: 20ft & 40ft Used Shipping Containers
Client: Angola Fire Department – Doug Call, Deputy Chief
The Challenge
The Angola Fire Department, led by Deputy Chief Doug Call, needed a cost-effective and compliant way to conduct live fire training burns. Traditional burn structures were expensive to build, and the department needed something that met state and federal guidelines, supported utility burns, and could accommodate training for both firefighters and local high school students.
With increasing state safety requirements and limited access to regional training facilities, Angola was ready for a practical, on-site solution that would allow for realistic, repeatable training scenarios.
The Solution: Customized “Cans” for Live Burn Training
Working with Container Sales Group, the department purchased a combination of used 20ft and 40ft shipping containers, commonly referred to in the fire industry as “cans.” These were modified to create a versatile, code-compliant live fire training structure.
Features included:
- Stackable layout for simulator burns and multi-level training
- Safe utility burn zones for hose handling, fire behavior, and entry drills
- Cutouts for ventilation, windows, and forcible entry
- Fire-resistant interior panels and coatings
- Proper ventilation to meet state and FDA training regulations
The modular design allows Angola Fire Department to adjust the setup as needed, and the structure is also used to train local high school students enrolled in fire science programs.
The Results
Since installation, the Angola Fire Department has seen major benefits:
- Ongoing live fire training without relying on external facilities
- Fully compliant with state rules and safety standards
- Improved training access for career and volunteer firefighters
- Support for youth fire education programs in the community
- Lower long-term training costs compared to permanent burn buildings
The department can now conduct more frequent drills while maintaining safety and flexibility.
Why Angola Chose Container Sales Group
- Exceptional customer service from start to finish
- Water/Wind Tight Guarantee on all used containers
- Affordable pricing and multi-purchase discounts
- Single point of contact for quick, efficient coordination
In Their Words:
“Container Sales Group helped us create a live fire training facility that’s safe, state-compliant, and perfect for training both our crew and local fire students. Their support and container quality were top-notch.”
— Doug Call, Deputy Chief, Angola Fire Department
Ready to Build a Burn Structure That Trains and Protects?
Container Sales Group is proud to work with fire departments, training academies, and schools across the country to create affordable, compliant, and customizable live fire training solutions using new and used shipping containers.
Contact us today to learn more or get a quote. 888-320-5938 or online. Let’s build something that saves lives — and trains the next generation to protect them.
