The Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service (BFRS) has taken firefighter training to a new level. Regular user of Chiltern International Fire’s 40ft demonstrator unit and attack boxes designed for Compartment Fire Behaviour Training, it is now incorporating the two-storey Breathing Apparatus (BA) complex into its programme for more advanced training.
Buckinghamshire Training Centre Manager Terry Healy said, 'The BA complex offers greater flexibility, enabling us to carry out a variety of drills, including gas cooling, prevention of fire development and stair procedures. Also, because of the entry points on the first floor we can simulate basement fires.'
The BA complex has numerous entry points and that, plus the fact that the internal lay-out can be changed from one drill to the next, make it very versatile for working on all levels of training.
CIF has worked closely with BFRS to create conditions as close to ‘real life’ as possible. Mr Healy said, ‘There is no doubt that the most effective training to face a real fire is to use real fire and the Chiltern Fire facility enables us to do that.’
The High Wycombe-based facility also includes a concrete-lined two-storey residential house and provides a spacious fire ground for outdoor exercises and drills, with generous appliance parking. Its location close to the M40 is a major plus for fire authorities within a radius of London and the Home Counties.
PDF: Bucks firefighters take training to new dimension
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