Training hots up for Scottish firefighters

A new training unit, allowing training to take place in conditions hotter than 750 degrees Celsius, has been opened by the Highland and Islands Fire Board.

The new facility will enable firefighters to practice tackling a room fire and using techniques that will dampen the flames without causing scalding steam. Firefighters will also practice tackling back-draught and flash-overs that can occur when the door of a room containing a fire is opened.

It is hoped that this new training unit, based at Sumburgh Airport, on the Shetland Isles, will combat the rise in firefighter deaths due to situations involving room fires.

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