North Queensland firefighters train in scorching new flashover fire cell

A cutting-edge flashover fire training cell housed in a mobile shipping container is putting North Queensland firefighter recruits through their paces, simulating real-life scenarios with blistering 600-degree flames.

QFES' Northern Region Emergency Services Complex in Townsville recently got a new LPG Mobile Structural Flashover Training Cell (MSFTC) which is being trialled as part of recruit training. Picture: Natasha Emeck

A cutting-edge flashover fire training cell housed in a mobile shipping container is putting North Queensland firefighter recruits through their paces, simulating real-life scenarios with blistering 600-degree flames.

The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) northern region complex in Townsville has been equipped with a new LPG Mobile Structural Flashover Training Cell (MSFTC).

The state-of-the-art training tool is currently being used to train 16 new local recruits, offering an intense and realistic preparation for the challenges they will face in the field.

With the flick of a switch, the MSFTC can engulf the entire roof of the 40-foot shipping container in flames, rapidly reaching temperatures of up to 600 degrees.

QFES' Northern Region Emergency Services Complex in Townsville recently got a new LPG Mobile Structural Flashover Training Cell (MSFTC) which is being trialled as part of the recruit training. Picture: Natasha Emeck

This intense heat is crucial for simulating the conditions of real-life house and structure fires.

QFES Assistant Commissioner Michael O’Neill emphasised the importance of flashover training in preparing recruits for everyday firefighting.

A flashover refers to a phenomenon that occurs in a room or enclosed area where a fire has reached a critical stage, resulting in a sudden and rapid ignition of all combustible materials within the space.

QFES' Northern Region Emergency Services Complex in Townsville recently got a new LPG Mobile Structural Flashover Training Cell (MSFTC) which is being trialled as part of the recruit training. Picture: Natasha Emeck

AC O’Neill highlighted the significance of this training, especially in North Queensland, where dwellings are often locked up.

“This training aims to prepare recruits to learn how to read smoke and read the situations, so they can best enter the building safely to put it out as efficiently as possible,” he said.

Ben Daly giving a demonstration of the new LPG Mobile Structural Flashover Training Cell (MSFTC) in Townsville. Picture: Natasha Emeck

Ben Daly, QFES’ state mobile props co-ordinator, noted that while the technology behind the MSFTC has been around for a while, the flame they had developed was unique.

He said building realism into their training was crucial to ensure recruits are well prepared for situations in the real world where every second counts.

QFES' Northern Region Emergency Services Complex in Townsville recently got a new LPG Mobile Structural Flashover Training Cell (MSFTC) which is being trialled as part of the recruit training. Picture: Natasha Emeck

Mundingburra MP Les Walker said the mobile training cell was is one of only five in Queensland and the first to be based outside Brisbane.

“It’s absolutely critical that we provide the best training to new recruits and existing personnel, as firefighting methodologies constantly evolve,” he said.

Originally published as North Queensland firefighters train in scorching new flashover fire cell