Firefighters across the region will have access to state-of-the art training thanks to the latest investment in the Wellington Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) training centre.
Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders joined Minister for Police and Emergency Sevices David Elliott in Wellington recently to announce five new Bullex Digital Fire Training Systems, valued at $55,000 each, to be installed in each of FRNSW’s regional training centres.
“In this day and age, technology means we can give the best possible training to our firefighters, preparing them for the dangerous situations they face, all from the safety of a controlled environment,” Mr Saunders said.
“The virtual reality system simulates live fire with digital screens that produce smoke and are reactive to water.
“I’ve seen it in action – it’s extremely life-like and you feel like you’re actually right there fighting a fire!”
Facility Manager Captain Mark Moroney said simulation-based technologies are the best way to prepare our firefighters.
“The Bullex system is a great enhancement to the training facility in that it’s practical, it’s mobile, it can be used anywhere across the facility and simulates fire, smoke, all the conditions that firefighters might meet when they enter a building to extinguish a fire,” Captain Moroney said.
Minister Elliott said systems would also be installed at FRNSW training centres in Armidale, Deniliqiun, Albion Park and Orchard Hills, for a total investment of $275,000.
“Fire and Rescue have really been focused on increasing their training capacity, increasing the way they embrace technology, and making sure we’ve got the best firefighters in the country,” Minister Elliott said.