Concept Smoke Systems Supports Multi-Agency High-Rise Training Exercise at the University of Reading
Earlier this month, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) led a large-scale multi-agency training exercise at the University of Reading, designed to test response to a complex high-rise fire scenario.
Crews from across Berkshire were joined by colleagues from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, as well as partner agencies including South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, Thames Valley Police, Casualties Union, and Berkshire Lowland Search & Rescue (BLSAR).
Purpose of the Exercise
The training was staged to provide crews with the opportunity to practise responding to complex incidents in a realistic urban environment. By working alongside multiple agencies, teams could strengthen collaboration, communication, and decision-making while enhancing the skills and experience of frontline responders.
How the Scenario Unfolded
The exercise simulated a large fire in a high-rise building, with crews tasked to:
- Rescue multiple casualties trapped in the tower.
- Coordinate evacuation and triage with ambulance crews.
- Contain and extinguish the “fire” under challenging, low-visibility conditions.
To maximise realism, the scenario incorporated smoke, sound effects, and visual simulations, replicating the chaos and pressure of a genuine emergency.
Concept’s Role
Concept Smoke Systems were proud to support RBFRS by supplying smoke generators and training aids, including the Spirit 900 and the FTS Box. Together, these tools created a dense, safe, and controllable smoke environment that forced crews to operate in near real-life visibility conditions.
- The Spirit 900 provided powerful, consistent smoke output ideal for filling large spaces.
- The FTS Box allowed for targeted training, particularly in search and rescue operations, simulating restricted visibility environments.
These systems ensured the training exercise struck the right balance between realism and safety, enabling crews to practise vital life-saving tactics without risk.
The exercise was hailed as a success, demonstrating the value of multi-agency collaboration in preparing for high-risk incidents. By practising together in controlled but realistic conditions, emergency services strengthen their readiness for real-world events.
Watch the highlights of the exercise here:
Concept Smoke Systems is honoured to support RBFRS and its partners, helping to deliver authentic training environments that prepare crews to protect communities when it matters most.
You can also read RBFRS’s original post here: https://fb.watch/CkLg3-ZEtR/
Equipment used:
