Construction starts in Washington on creation of all hazards village for firefighters' training
The facility will also be available for other blue light services to use
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) has marked the start of construction on its ambitious new All Hazards Village.
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The purpose-built facility will include a variety of simulated residential and commercial environments, featuring a detached four-bedroom burn house, semi-detached properties with simulated hazard areas including shop areas, garages, kitchens, living spaces and bedrooms.
Designed to replicate real-world conditions, the village will allow crews to train in a safe and controlled environment while facing the challenges they may encounter at operational incidents.
The village will also incorporate the Metro train and station located at the TWFRS Headquarters and Training Centre in Washington.
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On Thursday (September 17), representatives from Gateshead-based Meldrum Construction Services Group Ltd joined senior officers from TWFRS at the ground breaking ceremony to mark the beginning of the 10 month construction of the facility that will deliver a training environment “designed to prepare firefighters and emergency service partners for a wide range of real-life incidents”.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Dave Preston said: “The All Hazards Village is a key part of our long-term plan to ensure our crews have the modern, realistic training facilities they need to maintain their competence and respond safely to an increasingly complex range of emergencies.
“It reflects the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority's continued priority and commitment to providing resources that support the safety of firefighters and the wider public.
“This facility will allow our crews to develop the critical skills needed to save lives. By creating a highly realistic training environment, we can accurately replicate the complex risk profile our firefighters face on a daily basis. It ensures our teams are fully prepared for the most demanding real-world challenges, ultimately allowing us to better protect our communities.
“We are very much looking forward to working alongside Meldrum Construction Services Group to deliver this new facility.”
The All Hazards Village project also includes investment in the internal alteration and refurbishment of the existing ‘Tall Fire Structure’ to complement the future training activities the All Hazards Village will host.
The structure is currently used for practising rescue scenarios such as high-rise emergencies and vertical rescues.
Brian Lee, Operations Director at Meldrum Facilities said: “The most effective training environments are those that mirror real-world challenges. We're proud to support projects that push the boundaries of specialist construction whilst helping emergency responders build the skills they need to serve and protect our communities.”
The new facility is expected to be completed in the summer of 2027 and will also be available for the North East Ambulance Service and Northumbria Police to use for training exercises.