Shawn Jansen
Merced Sun-Star (Merced, Calif.)

MERCED COUNTY, Calif. — A large addition was delivered to the Merced County Fire Department's Castle Training Center at Castle Commerce Center on Tuesday.

The Hilmar Cheese Factory donated a 30,000 gallon silo to the Merced County Fire Department.

The 42 feet-tall silo will be used to simulate real-life emergency scenarios involving agricultural and food processing equipment, according Merced County spokesperson Mike North.

"Positive relationships between private industry and local government fosters networking and specialized training opportunities," North said. "These businesses take safety very seriously and the commitment to providing a safe work environment is reflected in the relationship with County Fire."

The silo will replicate an industrial facility to provide realistic training.

The Castle Training Center serves Merced County, Cal Fire and Merced College's local firefighter curriculum.

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(c)2022 the Merced Sun-Star (Merced, Calif.)