Cutting-edge training facility simulates real fires without fumes
The construction of modern facilities to enhance firefighter training and public safety is underway in Perth.
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.
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 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.
“Crews in Perth currently travel to either Dundee or Portlethen to access training facilities. By bringing modern equipment to the local area, it will have a positive impact on them and their instructors.
“We will soon see groundworks for the new Contaminants Control Unit which will allow our firefighters to take part in scenario-based training and move through this facility to decontaminate from the fire contaminants.”
On completion, the fully developed Perth Training Centre facility will provide Training, Safety and Assurance staff with suitable, modern and fit for purpose training facilities capable of delivering future training needs.
Work is due to be completed by summer 2026, with training scheduled from August.