Who We Are
WHP Trainingtowers’ mission is simple—to make firefighter training safer, smarter, and stronger. For over 45 years, we’ve specialized in the design, engineering, and construction of live-fire training towers and burn buildings that help first responders prepare for the toughest calls.
With over 1,000 completed projects worldwide, WHP Trainingtowers™ combines advanced engineering with firsthand understanding of fire service needs. Every tower, prop, and burn room we create is designed to meet or exceed NFPA 1402 standards—because firefighter safety is not just part of our business, it’s our purpose.
What We Do
WHP Trainingtowers™ delivers custom fire training solutions ranging from fire training towers to fully-customizable, modular towers series that serve departments and needs of all cases whether that be educational or response preparedness.
WHP Trainingtowers’™ designs reflect decades of research, field data, and collaboration with the NFPA 1402 Committee, ensuring that every build provides a safe, realistic environment for live-fire evolutions.
WHP Trainingtowers Provides Turnkey Solutions
- Fixed Training Towers – Permanent, full-scale structures built for durability and long-term use.
- MODx™ Modular Towers – Scalable, portable units that expand with your department’s needs.
- Burn Rooms with Padgenite™ Liners – Industry-leading, NFPA-compliant burn rooms engineered for superior safety, heat tolerance, and longevity.
- Training Props & Accessories – Custom add-ons that simulate confined spaces, rappelling, ventilation, and high-angle rescues.
- Inspections & Maintenance Services – NFPA-compliant building assessments designed to extend the life and safety of your facility.
Each product is backed by in-house engineering, rigorous testing, and an experienced team that understands emergency response needs.
What Is the NFPA?
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a global nonprofit dedicated to eliminating death, injury, and property loss due to fire and electrical hazards.
The NFPA develops hundreds of standards, including NFPA 1402: Standard on Facilities for Fire Training and Associated Props, providing guidance on the design, construction, and operation of fire training facilities. These standards ensure that every burn building—from ventilation systems to ignition controls—support safe, consistent, and realistic training.
NFPA-Compliant Inspections by WHP Trainingtowers™
Fire training buildings face extreme conditions—heat, stress, and repetition—that take a toll over time. Routine inspections and maintenance are essential to ensure continued compliance, performance, and safety. Contact WHP Trainingtowers today for comprehensive, NFPA 1402-compliant inspections by licensed, structural engineers with experience in the same field.
WHP Trainingtowers’™ Inspection Process Includes:
- An On-site Evaluation
A field visit by a licensed structural engineer who understands live-fire training environments. - A Provided, Comprehensive Report
A written summary detailing findings, recommendations, and compliance status. - Provided Photo Documentation
Visual proof of condition and performance — for your records and future reference. - An On-Site Debriefing
A final review with local officials and training leaders to ensure every concern is addressed.
These inspections help identify and mitigate potential issues early, preserving the longevity and safety of your facility.
Joe Kirchner, COO, Shaping the Future of Training Safety
With more than 25 years of construction experience and over 1,000 projects completed, Joe Kirchner brings unmatched expertise to the NFPA 1402 Committee.
As part of the committee, Joe collaborates with fire chiefs, engineers, and safety experts to improve standards that define how modern burn buildings are designed and maintained. His contributions ensure that WHP Trainingtowers™—and the entire fire training industry—continues to evolve safely and effectively.
“NFPA 1402 isn’t just about compliance—it’s about protecting the people who protect us,” says Joe Kirchner. “That’s what drives everything we do at WHP Trainingtowers™.”
NFPA 1402 FAQs by WHP Trainingtowers™
1. What does NFPA 1402 cover?
2. Why is NFPA 1402 compliance important?
3. How often should burn buildings be inspected?
4. Who enforces NFPA 1402 compliance?
5. How does WHP Trainingtowers™ help departments stay compliant?
Build and Train Confidently with WHP Trainingtowers™
NFPA 1402 isn’t just a standard—it’s the framework for everything WHP Trainingtowers™ builds and believes in. From our Padgenite™ Calcium Silicate based thermal lining systems, to our MODx™ modular towers, and NFPA-Compliant Burn Building Inspections, every detail reflects our commitment to firefighter safety and facility performance. When you work with WHP Trainingtowers™, you’re not just building a training tower—you’re building confidence, compliance, and a safer future for every firefighter who walks through your doors. Contact WHP Trainingtowers™ today!
