Gannon University is partnering with the Erie Fire Department this week to host critical training exercises inside Wehrle Hall, the vacant residence hall scheduled for demolition later this month.

Firefighters from across the city will rotate through sessions between Monday, June 9, and Wednesday, June 11.

The use of Wehrle Hall — now unoccupied since student residents moved out in May — offers a rare opportunity for crews to train in a multi-story, large-scale environment without disrupting campus operations or residential life.

“This opportunity gives our first responders the ability to simulate large-scale emergency scenarios in a real environment without disrupting active buildings,” said Walter Iwanenko, Ph.D., president of Gannon University. “We’re proud to contribute to their preparedness and to the safety of our region.”

Deputy Chief Fred Gillespie emphasized that the focus will be on high-risk, low-frequency scenarios, including fires in high-rise or complex structures.

“A lot of the structures we deal with are single-family residential fires,” Gillespie said. “This training allows us to practice strategies that differ from a typical house fire, including hose deployment, forcible entry, ladder operations, and simulated evacuations.”

Though high-rise incidents are rare in Erie, the department trains for them regularly. Wehrle Hall’s availability enables more advanced and uninterrupted exercises in a realistic setting.

Gannon University and the Erie Fire Department advise the public that there is no active emergency at Wehrle Hall during this time.

Passersby are asked to allow crews to conduct their work without interference.

Demolition of Wehrle Hall is set to begin Monday, June 16.