safety
New $32M facility gives Ventura County firefighters a realistic training experience
By Lance Orozco | KCLU at LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio)
· July 4, 2026
· 4 min read
Flames, and smoke can be triggered by remote control at the new Ventura County Fire Department Life Fire Training Complex in Camarillo, to create simulated firefighting experiences.(Lance Orozco / KCLU)A room on the second floor of a Camarillo building is quickly filling with smoke. From the far...
Key takeaway "This complex has a 'Class A' combustible burn building, which we are standing in now," said Ventura County Fire Department Training Chief Casey Rosdaile.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The new Live Fire Training Complex in Camarillo marks a significant upgrade for Ventura County firefighters, who will now have access to realistic and controlled training scenarios. This investment is particularly relevant for Los Angeles County's neighboring communities, where wildfires and structure fires are a persistent threat. The complex's ability to simulate a range of emergencies, from structure fires to search and rescue operations, will help ensure that firefighters are better prepared to respond to the unique challenges of the region. With its proximity to Los Angeles, the complex may also attract firefighters from local departments, providing a valuable resource for regional training and cooperation. As wildfires and other disasters continue to affect the Greater Los Angeles area, the importance of well-trained and equipped firefighters cannot be overstated, making this new facility a crucial asset for the region's public safety.
About this story
Original reporting by LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 4, 2026 ·
Source: LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Flames, and smoke can be triggered by remote control at the new Ventura County Fire Department Life Fire Training Complex in Camarillo, to create simulated firefighting experiences.(Lance Orozco / KCLU)A room on the second floor of a Camarillo building is quickly filling with smoke. From the far...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 4, 2026 by LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Lance Orozco | KCLU at LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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