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Dräger has designed a bespoke smoke extraction system for Kent Fire and Rescue Service’s (KFRS) new five-storey live training facility in Ashford, enabling firefighters to train in realistic conditions while reducing the environmental impact.
The new facility, due to open in 2026, replaces a 30-year-old building nearing the end of its operational life. It will host a range of live fire training scenarios, including lessons drawn from incidents such as the Grenfell Tower tragedy, to help crews prepare for complex, high-rise emergencies.
The building includes three burn floors with eight carbonaceous burn rooms and two additional floors for training with synthetic smoke. Its flexible layout provides commercial, residential and industrial settings, creating a diverse range of scenarios for KFRS personnel.
“This new training facility represents a major step forward for Kent Fire and Rescue Service, and the Dräger-designed smoke extraction system is a fundamental part of that. This is about preparing for the most complex emergencies in a cutting-edge environment that reflects the modern challenges of firefighting, while significantly reducing the environmental impact.”
Jon Quinn, Director of Protection, Prevention and Customer Engagement, KFRS.
Dräger’s custom-built extraction system collects and filters smoke before releasing clean air into the atmosphere through a chimney. In an emergency, the system can clear smoke within 90 seconds, restoring visibility and allowing for rapid intervention.
As well as supporting firefighter health and safety, the system will help KFRS reduce its environmental footprint and work towards its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
“We’re proud to be part of such an ambitious project. The facility will offer a wide range of realistic training exercises to enhance firefighter safety and preparedness. At Dräger, we design technology for life – protecting, supporting and saving lives through our engineering.”
Liz Millward, Marketing Manager for Emergency and Rescue Services, Dräger Safety UK.
Dräger also collaborated with KFRS on the design of new fire cribs, adapted to suit the size and requirements of the updated facility.
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