Cutting-Edge Training Facility Simulates Real Fires Without Fumes

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Cutting-Edge Training Facility Simulates Real Fires Without Fumes

Perth Training Centre is entering the final stages of construction, with a new Compartment Fire Behaviour Training facility set to provide Scottish firefighters with more realistic fire training while improving control of hazardous fire contaminants.

Perth Training Centre, situated behind the city’s community fire station, is entering the final stages of build to provide state-of-the-art training and fire contaminant control facilities.

At the core of this project is the provision of a new Compartment Fire Behaviour Training (CFBT) facility. This will replace the current obsolete Hot Fire Training Unit with a facility which will simulate real fires which crews would respond to.

It will also feature an advanced smoke capture and filtration system to ensure fumes produced during fire training are effectively contained, treated, and cleaned before being safely released into the atmosphere, minimising any environmental impact.

The facility is the last of four projects which have been completed at the site, including the removal of the existing Hot Fire Training Unit, the redevelopment of welfare areas and the provision of a Contaminates Control Unit for the CFBT facility.

“By bringing modern equipment to the local area, it will have a positive impact on crews and their instructors.”

Ross Robison, Deputy Assistant Chief Officer

The Contaminates Control Unit will provide suitable clean access to the CFBT facility and will incorporate a semi-sheltered green zone briefing area.

The return route from the CFBT facility will be classed as a ‘dirty’ red zone through an area for a contaminated fire kit. Ross Robison is the Deputy Assistant Chief Officer and Head of Training at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

He said:

“We are delighted to be expanding our training facilities to provide firefighters with more realistic scenarios for tackling incidents in domestic and commercial buildings. The development of facilities in Perth aligns with our Training Function Vision and Strategy 2023-2028 to improve the training facilities which our firefighters have access to.”

Plans to close four fire stations have been dropped after extensive campaigning against the proposal. Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) had earmarked Mere, Rambsury, Bradford on Avon and Wilton stations for closure because of financial pressures. But earlier this month a change in plans meant only Wilton was recommended for closure, and that has now also been shelved.

Chief fire oficer Andy Cole said £1.8m of additional government funding has been secured but that it “does not resolve the authority‘s long-term financial position and we continue to face a deficit in future years”.

Dave Roberts, from the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) South West said: „We are not out of the woods yet, but this is a big step forward“.

For more information please visit Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website.