Hybrid Compartment Fire Behaviour Training

Simulator
Demo and Attack in 1 Prop

Compartment Fire Behaviour Training (CFBT) is internationally recognition as

the corner stone for building firefighting teams that are fully prepared to meet
the dangers of modern structural firefighting.

The 3D Hybrid CFBT System’s unique design allows students to learn the
core essentials of fire development and mission critical techniques in one
prop. This provides cost savings as well as reducing the space required on
training sites.
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 THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX – TWO PROPS IN ONE!

The 3D Hybrid prop combines the features of the traditional “Demo” prop with the features
of the “Attack” prop to allow for the progression from the basics of fire behaviour to critical
techniques such as “Door Entry”.

FEATURES

Split Front Doors

This assists in setting the correct conditions for each stage of the underpinning fire
behaviour training and nozzle practice.

Side Safety Door with Magnetic Latch

Allows for safe and rapid egress. No need to locate handles or bolts. A firm push on the
door panel is all that is required to open the door fully.

Side Vent System

The development of a unique side
ventilation system made it possible to
operate the safety vent from the leading
edge of the open system and from the
front of the prop. When the hybrid prop is
transformed to the “closed” (attack) mode,
a 3rd vent operation point allows the
instructor to set and control the ideal
condition for door entry training.

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Particle Board Retention System
This simple design is durable and allows for the movement of
the container that occurs over time.

Ease of loading allows for rapid set up with minimal time and
effort with boards form 1800mm to 2400mm in length.

Fireproof flooring in fuel zone.

Predrilled for drainage and covered with 40 mm clay
pavers.

Swinging Foyer Wall

Transforms the prop from a fire behaviour training prop into an “Attack” prop in seconds.
Inward and outward opening timber doors for realistic practice of “Door Entry” techniques

600 mm Swinging Baffle Plate

The baffle is normally in the down position to allow for the fire gases to collect in front of
the students which minimises their exposure to excessive radiant heat during fire
behaviour training. For Attack training, the baffle can be rotated up the roof and secured in
place.

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 Innovation not Imitation
The hybrid is the most versatile CFBT system in the world. The design is based on
international experience and is designed with safety and ease of use in mind.
The original approach to CFB training that was developed in Sweden in the early 1980’s
used a number of different props to teach the various aspects of fire behavior. That early
model has been extensively reviewed and supported by improvements in the written
support standards and learning material. After observing many different training prop
designs and training approaches in Sweden and other locations around the world, Shan
designed a training prop that could be used to demonstrate the very basic elements in
safety, as well as providing elements that could easily allow the “open’ prop to be
transformed into a “closed” prop that could facilitate the logical progression into more
advanced learning outcomes such as “reading fire”, “door entry” technique, 3D Water-fog
techniques, fundamentals of tactical ventilation, and hoseline management.

About Aus-Rescue Pty Ltd

Aus-Rescue Pty Ltd is an Australian company established by highly experienced
operational firefighters who were dissatisfied with many of the services being offered by
large multinational companies. Our focus is to provide products that we understand and
are passionate about.

Our highly experienced staff will supervise the commissioning to ensure that all of the
systems are operating to design specifications. Temperature monitoring and Data Logging
equipment can also be supplied and installed at a competitive rate.

info@aus-rescue.com

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 Specification for the Aus-Rescue Hybrid Flashover Prop
Purpose:
Provide an experiential facility capable of producing fire development conditions consistent with a learning
environment. For more advanced stages it provides well-ventilated (and under-ventilated) fire development
conditions in a compartment consistent with a practice environment. The compartment provides the ability to
initiate and sustain a carbonaceous fire, with the capability to control the release or containment of fire gases
in a manner which provides a controlled fire environment to be developed, enabling safe access to and from
the fire compartment enabling practical application of fire fighting techniques to be utilised.

1. The system is built from a new 40’ high cube shipping container. The high cube is 330 mm taller than
a standard container and this removes the need to elevate the fire base as the heated gases stratify
at a higher level than a standard cube. 40’ High Cube: Length 12.32 m x Wide 2.3 m x Height 2.697
m. Note: height of standard cube is 2.394 m

2. All closed structural sections are identified and drilled to prevent explosive pressure buildup that
could occur if trapped water was to convert to steam. Drilling of these sections ensures that any
accumulated water or steam can be released in a safe manner.

3. The fire section of the prop is located at the back (closed end) of the container. All combustible
flooring material is removed for a distance of 3 m from the back wall. This section of floor is replaced
with 2 mm sheet metal. The floor is then covered with kiln fired 40 mm clay pavers for a distance of 9
m.

4. A system of retainers and chains is installed to allow for the fitting of 16 to 18 mm particle boards of
1210 mm x 2420 mm. The design is flexible and allows different combinations of board placement to
facilitate different training objectives.

5. Half way across the container is a 600 mm swinging baffle plate. When set up in the observation
mode, the baffle is in the down position and the students and instructors are to stay on the entry side
of the baffle. The baffle collects the fire gases on the combustion side and allows the instructor to
control the extent of overhead flames. During operation in the “Attack” mode the baffle is hinged
upwards and secured parallel with the roof.

6. Between the baffle plate and the combustion end of the prop is a side vent. This pivots through a
torque rod that extends to the front of the prop. 3 operation levers are connected to this torque rod
and allow for the safe and rapid operation of the vent from predefined critical safety locations. In
addition to allowing for multiple operation points, the design ensures ease and reliability of operation
under even the hottest conditions. Side vents are less prone to allow the entry of water to the prop
during heavy rain and allow for the continuation of training in a wider range of weather conditions
than could be achieved with a roof vent.

7. Approximately 600 from the baffle on the entry side of the prop, a 1000 mm outward opening safety
door is fitted to allow for rapid and safe egress. This in NOT bolted during use and is held closed by
a magnetic latch during operation. The magnet has sufficient force to hold the door shut but it can
easily be opened by pressing against it from the inside. It can be locked at the conclusion of training
from the inside.

8. The front container doors are split just above the half way height. This allows for the top 2 halves to
be opened or closed by the instructors to create a wide range of fire behavior conditions.

Attack Mode Features

The features outlined above are all used for the setup of observation and nozzle training evolutions. The next
stage of training is to allow the firefighters to enter into the container from outside to practice “reading fire”,
door entry technique, controlling the internal environment with various nozzle techniques, ventilation,
advancing and retreating hoselines under realistic conditions. To facilitate this type of training in the same
prop, the following unique features are included.

1. Approximately 3 metres from the front of the prop there are 2 hinged panels that can be swung into a
closed position to form a 3 metre foyer wall with an inward opening door and an outward opening
door. This effectively forms 9 metres of closed section in the prop.

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 2. The centre baffle plate is swung upwards and latched up against the ceiling. One Instructor is
located on the closed side of the foyer wall. With the use of the vent and hoseline he is able to set
the ideal safe and realistic conditions for the students by using a hoseline and the vent control
adjacent to the interior of the foyer wall. When the conditions are set the internal instructor signals
the external instructor to coach the students on reading the fire, controlling the external conditions
and then entry and controlled progress into the compartment. A third instructor acts as safety officer
and takes the next crew in after the initial crew have safely completed the exercise.
3. The 3 safety vent operation points allow for instructors to control conditions at the front of the prop, in
the internal side of the foyer wall and adjacent to the safety door.

The system is designed to complying with or exceed the requirements of the following standards:

Fire Service Manual Volume 4: Guidance and Compliance Framework for Compartment Fire Behaviour
Training.
HM Fire Service Inspectorate, Publication Section

NFPA 1403: 2018 edition, Standard on Live Fire Training Evolutions in Structures
NFPA 1001: 2008 edition, Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications
NFPA 1500: 2007 edition, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program
1 Batterymarch Park, PO Box 9101
Quincy MA 022699101

ISO 31000:2009 ISO 31000:2009 Risk management - Principles and guidelines

Model Code of Practice - How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks
Safe Work Australia, ISBN 978-0-642-33302-5 [RTF]

3D Firefighting – Training, Techniques and Tactics, By Paul Grimwood, Ed Hartin, John McDonough and
Shan Raffel. Fire Protection Publications, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA

Optional Features
The information above defines the essential elements required to meet international best practice in relation
to fundamental CFBT training. There are additional features that can be included if required by the customer.

1. Thermal environment motioning and data logging.

Aus-Rescue is able to provide simple and cost effective 4 channel data logging equipment that can
provide basic real time monitoring of the temperature via 3 internal thermocouples and one exterior
sensor. This data can easily be downloaded to a computer and keep as a record of events or used
as a training aid by displaying the data on a graph. These systems can be set up for less than $1000
AUD and are highly recommended. More sophisticated systems that can allow for the real time
transfer of data to a remote computer can also be provided.
2. Insulation of the fire section of the prop.
There are various technical options that can insulate the sections of the prop that are exposed to the
higher temperatures. The advantages include the ability to preserve the original exterior paint.
In general, these options add considerably to the cost of the props and have little or no impact on the
quality of the training experience. The cost of the improved aesthetics and slightly longer prop life
must be weighed against the significant additional initial cost.
3. Skillion Roof
Help to extend the operational life on the unit by minimizing the impact of water sitting on top of the
container.
4. Mobile Trailer Mounted Units
Shipping containers are designed to be transported! Aus-Rescue is able to provide a variety of
mobile unit options. These units provide cost effective solutions for the needs of fire services that
need to provide training across great distances or remote work sites.
5. Multi-compartment training props
Aus-Rescue can design, construct, and commission shipping container based training systems that
are tailored to the needs of the client. We specialize in Class A fuelled multi-compartment systems
for all aspects of structural, marine, and light aviation fire and rescue operations.

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Notice
Any form of live fire training requires a high level of instructor knowledge and skill if it is be
delivered with safety and fidelity. Aus-Rescue Pty Ltd recommends that all live fire training
must be conducted in accordance with recognised standards such as NFPA 1403 2018
edition as well as national standards and codes.

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