The Department of Home Affairs is driving forward a scheme to create a live fire training facility in the Isle of Man.
Planning approval has been granted to locate a number of specially-engineered containers at the rear of the Energy from Waste Plant that can be used to simulate real-life emergencies.
Subject to Tynwald support, the facility will ensure that Manx firefighters can undergo essential training on-Island, rather than having to travel to the United Kingdom. The project is aimed at enhancing knowledge, skills and resilience within the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service, as well as generating cost savings of approximately £50,000 a year.
Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson MHK said:
'This facility is something we have been working towards for some time. It supports our priority of protecting the local community and will ensure that our firefighter training remains consistent with UK best practice.'
He added:
'In some respects the need for this scheme reflects the success of the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service's community safety work. The focus on prevention and education has led to a reduction in the number of fires that our officers attend. It is important that firefighters are regularly exposed to realistic fire conditions, for their own safety as well as the public's. The live fire training facility will enable them to gain further experience of working in extreme heat, humidity, smoke, noise and zero visibility, and to recognise the signs of potentially deadly backdraft and flashover conditions.'
The proposed facility will feature a series of interconnected compartments on a concrete base, with multiple points of entry to simulate fires in different types of buildings and vessels. Controlled fires will be set in the units using virgin wood to create a realistic environment in terms of heat and smoke.
No additional accelerants will be used and appropriate drainage and interceptors will be incorporated to catch and process all firefighting water run-off. The site has also been designed to allow access for fire appliances on all four sides to provide flexibility when planning training exercises.
In addition to live fire training, the facility will be used for many other types of training, including ladder and pump exercises, aerial ladder siting and line rescues. There is also potential to generate revenue by providing breathing apparatus training for other Government Departments and private sector clients.
The facility will allow the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service to provide regular refresher training based on its own needs and timescales and to cut spending on UK courses, flights and accommodation. At present, Manx firefighters travel to the UK Fire Service College at Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, for specialist training. While personnel are away the Isle of Man Service is depleted by the equivalent of two crewed appliances. Off-Island travel also takes retained officers away from their primary employment.
Minister Watterson and Chris Thomas MHK, Member of the Department of Home Affairs with responsibility for the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service, have visited all the Island's fire stations in recent months to listen to the issues, ideas and concerns of wholetime and retained firefighters.
The Minister said:
'Training was one of several issues discussed during our meetings and I am sure our firefighters will welcome the opportunity to enhance their skills at an on-Island facility. This project will provide benefits on many levels.'
Details of the proposal will be presented to Tynwald Members later this month, with a view to seeking support for the £607,000 capital project at the June sitting of Tynwald.
