GREENSBORO, N.C. – This week, the Greensboro Fire Department begins operation of its new fire training facility, which will be used to train over 500 firefighters.

Trainers say they'll discontinue practicing in their old burn-building, after engineers decided it wasn't structurally stable.

This facility includes a new burn-building and a drill tower, which Battalion Chief Trainer Brett Combs says is critical for training.

“Before, it was basically stairs to the top and that was it. Now, we have a burn room over there and we've got bedrooms over here. It's like a hotel and has dynamic opportunities so you can change it up,” Combs emphasizes.

Greensboro firefighters will begin training at the new facility on Thursday.