Concept Smoke Systems Enhances Realism in Operation Phoenix Training Exercise
In September 2020, Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service conducted Exercise Phoenix, a large-scale Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) training operation at Westcott Venture Park. The exercise simulated a scenario in which a small jet crashed into a rocket testing and fuel production facility following an unsuccessful emergency landing.
To add realism to the exercise, Concept Smoke Systems were tasked with producing safe, non-toxic artificial smoke. Concept’s smoke generators created dense, persistent smoke that closely mimicked real fire conditions, enhancing the training’s effectiveness.
Kevin Mercer, Aylesbury and USAR Station Commander, highlighted the importance of such collaborations:
We are really excited about our future at Westcott where we aim to develop one of the best USAR training facilities in the country.
The exercise involved more than 100 personnel from five USAR units across Buckinghamshire, Leicestershire, Norfolk, Essex, and West Midlands, along with tactical advisors and canine search teams trained to detect live human scent. They were joined by ten Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) paramedics and Police Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) teams.
Concept Smoke Systems’ contribution was instrumental in creating a realistic training environment, allowing emergency responders to practice and refine their skills under conditions that closely resemble real-life scenarios. This collaboration highlights the importance of integrating advanced technologies into training exercises to better prepare for actual emergencies.
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