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HIGH RISE
TRAINING
ANNUAL BURNS
CAMP
FIREX
West Midlands unveils new high-rise training
facility
Alan Wells, Past Master and Chairman of the City
Fire Lecture working group recently (19th June)
had the opportunity to attend the formal opening
of the new high-rise training facility of the West
Midlands Fire Authority on the 19th June.
Oldbury Fire Station is adjacent junction 2 on the
M5. Following presentations about the
development and operation of the facility,
Councillor John Edwards, Chairman of the West
Midlands Fire Authority, accompanied by Chief
Fire Officer Phil Loach, cut the tape to declare
the facility open.
The new high-rise training facility, believed to be
the first of its kind in the world, is set to play a
key role in keeping the region’s communities safe.
The 60ft-high (18m) six-storey, purpose-built
facility was designed and built by HAAGEN. Its
six configurable floors are linked by internal and
external staircases and a lift shaft. It comprises 18
specially-designed inter-locking metal containers
that can be configured to provide a realistic and
safe environment for firefighter training.
It will enable West Midlands Fire Service crews
and incident commanders, and those from
neighbouring brigades, better understand fire
behaviour in multi-storey residential and
commercial premises. Instructors will be able to
set fires in controlled conditions and, using built-
in fans, vary important factors such as ventilation,
generate wind speed of up to 25mph, and control
the movement of smoke and fire gases using
hand-held remote devices.
State-of-the-art thermal imaging systems enable
training sessions to be monitored and recorded.
In mid-August, Frank David, Michael Harper and
Steve Neville paid a visit to the Open Day of the
Annual Burns Camp held at the Grafham Water
Centre near Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire.
This year the Charitable Trust has made a
donation to enable 20 more students to attend
the week long residential camp aimed at
increasing the confidence and participation of
children who have suffered from series burns
injuries and the many associated problems.
A wide range of activities, both in and out of
doors are made available under the direction of
Dave Webster and his volunteer staff, who had
many moving stories to relate on the positive
effects of the experience on often shy and
embarrassed children who develop new social
skills and form friendships which invariably have
been of great benefit to the individual children
and their parents. Testimony of parents and the
evident pleasure and enthusiasm of some 60
participating children (8-17) underlined the
success of this year’s event.
During the week-long camp, fun activities
including water sports, driving cars and fire
engines. Some of the young people, who are
supported by 23 adult chaperones, have suffered
more than 90 per cent burns. A number have
been coming back as helpers.
Frank David, Chair of the Worshipful Company
of Firefighters Charitable Trust said "I am
delighted that the Trust has been able to expand
the work of the Annual Burns Camp this year.
The work of the volunteers is impressive and the
engagement and enthusiasm of the children is
very moving indeed”
The grant was made in part from the Restricted
Fund for Youth Education, Training and
Development arising from the proceeds of the
Company's Annual City Dinner. The event will be
featured at this year's City Dinner on November
11th 2014.
The WCoFF were present at the International
Firex exhibition held at the Excel Centre in
London on 17th – 19th June. Many exhibitors
from every category of fire protection were
present, displaying their latest products and
services. The Company were given a free stand
by the organisers and were able to promote the
Company to interested parties as well as seek
support for the Fire Industry Ball.
5
Picture above shows Past Master and
Chairman of the WCoFF PR and Marketing
Group, Viv Jones, on the stand