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Construction is underway on new state-of-the-art firefighter training facilities in Perth, aimed at improving public safety and providing crews with more realistic and environmentally responsible training environments.
The Perth Training Centre, located behind the city’s community fire station, is now entering the final stages of development. Once complete, it will deliver modern training and fire contaminant control facilities designed to meet the future needs of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS).
At the centre of the project is a new Compartment Fire Behaviour Training (CFBT) facility, which will replace the site’s obsolete Hot Fire Training Unit. The new facility is designed to simulate the types of fires firefighters are likely to encounter in domestic and commercial buildings, allowing crews to train in more realistic operational conditions.
An advanced smoke capture and filtration system will also be installed, ensuring that fumes generated during live fire training are contained, treated and cleaned before being safely released into the atmosphere. The system is intended to minimise environmental impact while improving safety for both firefighters and the surrounding community.
The CFBT facility is the final phase of four major projects completed at the Perth site. Previous works have included the removal of the existing Hot Fire Training Unit, the redevelopment of welfare areas, and preparations for a new Contaminants Control Unit to support the training environment.
The Contaminants Control Unit will provide clean access to the CFBT facility and will include a semi-sheltered ‘green zone’ briefing area. Firefighters returning from training scenarios will pass through a designated ‘red zone’, where contaminated fire kit can be safely managed, supporting improved decontamination procedures and reducing exposure to harmful fire contaminants.
Ross Robison, Deputy Assistant Chief Officer and Head of Training at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, said the development marked an important step forward for firefighter training in the region.
“We are delighted to be expanding our training facilities to provide firefighters with more realistic scenarios for tackling incidents in domestic and commercial buildings,” he said.
“The development of facilities in Perth aligns with our Training Function Vision and Strategy 2023–2028 to improve the training facilities which our firefighters have access to.
“Crews in Perth currently travel to either Dundee or Portlethen to access training facilities. By bringing modern equipment to the local area, it will have a positive impact on them and their instructors.”
Ross Robison, Deputy Assistant Chief Officer and Head of Training at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
He added that forthcoming groundworks for the Contaminants Control Unit would allow firefighters to take part in scenario-based training before moving through the facility to decontaminate from fire contaminants.
Once completed, the fully developed Perth Training Centre will provide Training, Safety and Assurance staff with modern, fit-for-purpose facilities capable of supporting future training requirements.
Construction work is due to be completed by summer 2026, with training at the new centre scheduled to begin in August.
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