Realistic Fire Training Building

Project Factsheet

Client

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service

Location

Sheffield

Duration

24 weeks

Value

£1,400,000

Britcon have recently completed the construction of a replacement for the existing training facility at South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Services Beaver Hill Site, Sheffield.

The facility caters for the training needs of the SYFR Service by providing a 'hot smoke' facility. Within the new facility both carbonaceous and gas/oil burning occur and as such the structure and its individual components are designed to accommodate the repeated exposure to the heat and flames generated by the buildings intended use. Within the carbonaceous burning areas a refractory lining is provided to the walls and ceilings for added protection.

The form of structure comprises a load bearing masonry building which should be designed to carry both vertical dead and imposed loads and lateral imposed loads safely to the ground.

The suspended floor slabs at first and second/roof levels comprise of in-situ reinforced concrete. A cantilever balcony is provided around the perimeter of the building at first floor level and is constructed using waterproof concrete. A basement structure is provided which is also be constructed from waterproof concrete. The selected concrete for all structural elements of the project comprises of dense durable mixes with low water cement ratio. Concrete mix designs are carefully selected to accommodate the repeated heating and cooling effects within the building and repeated wetting and drying generated by the fire fighting process.

A flat section of roof is provided across part of the building and a pitched concrete tiled roof structure is provided over the remaining area. The pitched tiled roof comprises timber rafters to provide 'loft style' space for training purposes.

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Urban Search and Rescue Centre

The Urban Search and Rescue Centre known as the USAR building constructed by Britcon includes a specialist training rig, offices, classrooms, showers, washrooms, toilets and space for kit storage and refreshments. It is part of an overall development of £2.3 million which has facilities to allow the firefighters to practice heavy rescues from road, rail and aircraft incidents.

Works included a water sump, installed for rescues from partially submerged vehicles and railway lines for practising rail related emergencies. The complex has a CCTV system which means the team can play back footage from exercises to assess their performance.

West Yorkshire's USAR team, which is on call for regional and national emergencies, was based at Cleckheaton Fire Station but began moving on to the new site shortly before Christmas 2009.

West Yorkshire Chief Fire Officer Simon Pilling said: "Our USAR capability has gone from strength to strength in recent months, with the introduction of a search and rescue dog, also funded with central government support, and the opening of this splendid training facility.

Urban Search and Rescue Centre

Broughton Fire Station Extension and Alterations

Broughton Fire Station operated by Buckingham and Milton Keynes Fire and Rescue Service was constructed early on in the development of Milton Keynes city, close to the village that gave the city its name.

The current station has an operational complement of 42 personnel; 28 working a wholetime shift system split into four equal watches, a Retained Duty System (RDS) crew consisting of 12 staff and a Station Commander.

The station is in a key location as the development of the eastern flank of Milton Keynes continues and the likely increase in both industrial risk and population continues.

In light of this Britcon were awarded a £800,000 contract to undertake significant refurbishment works. This work has increased the size of the bays to incorporate further appliances, provide further office facilities, vastly improve disabled access and amenities, and provide an upgraded heating arrangement and a more environmentally-friendly system in keeping with current regulations.

Broughton crews have been first on the scene at many incidents on the M1 motorway. These have included road traffic incidents where persons are trapped in their vehicles and many chemical spills.