Firefighting props set to transform structural training
CFA’s structural firefighting training is set for a major upgrade with the introduction of new compartment firefighting props at Bangholme and Central Highlands training campuses.
From the outside, the new compartment firefighting props resemble large shipping containers - but inside, they replicate realistic home environments, complete with kitchens, beds and TVs. These familiar items help create scenarios our members are likely to face during real structure fires.
Expected to be commissioned by June 2026, the props will also allow instructors to simulate dangerous flashover conditions. This immersive environment enables firefighters to deepen their understanding of fire growth, thermodynamics and smoke behaviour.
“The props are a game changer,” DCO Operational Doctrine and Training Rohan Luke said. “They provide a highly realistic environment where our members can develop and refine the vital skills needed to read fire behaviour and manage interior fire attacks safely and effectively.”
As part of an ongoing training collaboration, Rohan recently travelled to NSW Rural Fire Service (NSWRFS) in Tamworth with ACFO Learning and Development David Maxwell. There, they inspected NSWRFS’s own compartment firefighting prop and gained valuable insight into its impact on firefighter training and safety.
“It was a great opportunity to not only see firsthand how NSWRFS runs its structural firefighting training, but see their compartment firefighting prop in action,” Rohan said.
“Their training model for the compartment props is comprehensive, with a student-to-instructor ratio of 8:3 and an additional four to five safety and support staff monitoring from outside the training cell.
"Several trucks including heavy tankers, bulk water carriers and rehab units are also present to simulate real response conditions.
“The controlled environment helps firefighters understand fire growth, smoke behaviour and how to read conditions when they arrive on scene, with the end-to-end training mirroring real-life conditions as much as possible.
“The feedback from their members has been extremely positive and NSWRFS has seen a real difference in member confidence and safety.”
Rohan explained that two similar props currently on order from Europe are expected to be delivered and commissioned by June next year.
“Our props are a slightly different design to NSWRFS and will include thermal oxidizers like we have at our fire investigation training facility to remove smoke and assist with emission control,” he said.
“Their placement at our Bangholme and Central Highlands training campuses ensures we have training coverage in both the east and west of the state, particularly in high-risk urban environments.
“Our visit to NSWRFS also opened the door to discussions about expanding this type of structural training to other parts of Victoria,” Rohan added.
.jpeg "Members of NSWRFS in their compartment prop")
Members of NSWRFS in their compartment prop-
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