A new first-class, transportable LPG flashover cell is making training more accessible for Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) firefighters.
The Live Fire flashover training cell has been built using the expertise of Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) Live Fire instructors to be fit-for-purpose for their specialised training requirements.
The cell allows firefighters to undertake compartment fire behaviour training (CFBT). Unlike the previous training environment, where the fuel load would have to burn out before being reignited, the new cell can be turned on and off with just a switch.
“Our Live Fire Instructors have been involved in this project since 2019, working tirelessly to get it right, down to the flame volume, thickness, velocity, and heat release as close to a real-life scenario as possible,” said Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Steve Smith.
“It allows firefighters to observe fire behaviour and the ability to see the actual effects of their water application techniques.
“I know it was not an easy task to create this training environment, which makes it even more exciting to see it come to fruition and be used by our FRS recruits and firefighters for skills acquisition and maintenance.”
The first cells have been delivered to the School of Fire and Emergency Services (SFES) Live Fire Campus in Brisbane and regionally to Townsville, where it will be used by recruits and experienced firefighters.
The cell currently staged in Townsville can be transported throughout the region where it will be used to provide further training to permanent and auxiliary FRS firefighters.
The Live Fire flashover training cell was made by contractor, Gasworks, who has been working with SFEST for more than 20 years.
“Two more cells will be delivered during this financial year, one to QFES’ South East Region and another to SFEST, which will be able to be transported state-wide,” said Commissioner Smith.
“A further two cells will be delivered next financial year to the Brisbane and Central regions.”
Queensland Minister for Fire and Disaster Recovery, Nikki Boyd said a transportable training cell meant despite other priorities, such as the many disasters affecting Queensland year-round, the training can be taken to wherever it is needed.
“This gas training prop is designed with input from our own firefighters and has been built to be moved while still meeting Queensland and national gas and legislative regulations,” she said.
“What is most important is that this is a fit-for-purpose cell, which means our firefighters will have world-class training.
“So far, the cell has been involved in training about 200 FRS recruits in Brisbane and Townsville, about 70 permanent FRS firefighters in QFES’ Brisbane and South East regions and this month (June) used with the first group of auxiliary firefighters”.
