Page 169 - Archived Back Issues

HIGH RISE TRAINING
West Midlands unveils new high-rise training facility
ANNUAL BURNS CAMP
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.
FIREX
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.
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.
Picture above shows Past Master and Chairman of the WCoFF PR and Marketing Group, Viv Jones, on the stand
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