Our Work

On March 23, 2026, we lost the Area 51 range classroom and adjacent storage facility to a fire.

 

The fire moved fast. By the time firefighters got the needed resources on site, there wasn’t much left to save.

 

Located “off grid,” the facility had no electricity, no water, and was located in an area that allowed safe training and storage without danger to local residents. As such, fire crews had no hydrants to connect to and had to bring in water to fight the blaze as best they could.

 

What we lost wasn’t just a building, it was an ecosystem built through years of training cycles, acquisitions and hard work.

 

In one fell swoop, we lost decades of history and hard work: photographs, articles, training aids, medical equipment, steel targets, ammunition and weapons (to include some owned by our current student body).

 

Some of it can be replaced. Some of it can’t.

 

Unfortunately, insurance won’t cover this. The realities of that environment —be it the lack or hydrants, lack of electricity, even the isolated nature of the range—puts it outside the lines for even local residents, much less a training school.

 

So now it falls on us.

 

Area 51 has always been more than a range. ESI alumni the world over will tell you it’s where things "get real" for students. Where theory gets reinforced with practice and skills are forged. It is a sacred site of both training and ceremony. 

 

We’re going to rebuild it, that part isn’t up for debate.

 

The only question is, "how quickly can we rebuild?"

 

If you’re in a position to help, now’s the time. Whether it’s gear, time, or financial support, it all goes directly back into restoring that training ground for the next class that steps onto it. 

 

We built this once, we’ll do it again.

 

ESI frequently speaks of legacy, and you have an opportunity to be a big part of it.