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Things are hotting up for Kent firefighters with the launch of a
new training unit in Ashford which puts them under extreme blaze
conditions.

The Realistic Fire Training (RFT) area, officially opened at
Ashford fire station, this week, will expose crews to conditions as
hot as 500 degrees C.

Safety systems have also been installed to allow trainers to
fully manage and control tests and exercises.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service area training manager Paul Flaherty
said: “Thanks to the Realistic Fire Training unit, we can train our
firefighters to be the very best they can be through live fire
scenarios, in a safe working environment.

“This facility enables firefighters to prepare tactical plans,
rehearse them to test if they are fit for purpose and direct 'real’
incidents, improving their skills and learning the symptoms and
signs of fire in the process.

“Firefighters can then take this invaluable experience to real
incidents, bringing with them a great deal of expertise and
confidence to resolve whatever they may face.”