New Compartment Fire Behaviour Training Unit Reaches Key Milestone

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service’s new Compartment Fire Behaviour Training (CFBT) unit has reached an important milestone, with firefighters from Carlton and Edinwstowe Fire Stations becoming the first two crews to train in the facility following thorough testing.

The introduction of the unit – also known as the ‘Attack Box’ – follows a review of training provision at the Service Development Centre (SDC), which identified the need to deliver CFBT in-house as a key core skill. It’s recognised as a risk-critical, mandatory requirement for all operational firefighters, supporting them to safety and effectively operate in complex fire conditions.

Wholetime and on-call firefighter trainees undertake three weeks of breathing apparatus training, with one of those weeks dedicated specifically to CFBT. Once they become operational, all firefighters are required to attend CFBT refresher training and revalidation every two years.

Charlotte Weatherall-Smith, Group Manager of Learning and Development based at SDC, said: “This facility represents a major step forward for the Service and how we deliver critical training. It’s been something we’ve wanted to welcome to our training centre for a while, so we’re really pleased for it to finally be here and in use.

“It allows our operational colleagues to experience a fully developing fire in a controlled environment, preparing them for the extreme conditions they may face at real incidents while maintaining the highest safety standard.

“Huge thank you to all of the staff who have worked on this project – from the procurement stage to the building of the unit, to the testing ensuring it’s fully fit for our crews to use. We look forward to using it to its full potential as part of our training.”

Following the required training and testing programme which was completed by the SDC trainers, Carlton and Edwinstowe fire crews were the first two crews to train in the unit. They experienced a fully developing fire, where temperatures reached 462.9 degrees. 

The new CFBT unit is a significant investment for the Service and will allow this essential training to be delivered in-house – a real example of putting our staff and their work first.