London Fire Brigade and RAF Museum Team Up for Major Emergency Exercise – Concept’s Spirit 900 at the Heart of the Action
On Wednesday 3rd September 2025, the Royal Air Force Museum, London partnered with the London Fire Brigade and multiple emergency services to stage a large-scale live training exercise at the museum in Colindale.
The scenario involved a simulated fire within the galleries, designed to test real-time response, coordination, and communication between agencies. Exercises of this scale are vital in preparing responders for complex incidents – particularly in environments that hold priceless and irreplaceable artefacts.
Concept Smoke Systems were delighted that the Spirit 900 was chosen to provide the simulated smoke throughout the exercise. The Spirit 900 produces a dense, controllable, and completely safe artificial smoke, allowing fire crews to train in a realistic smoke-filled environment without risk to the museum’s historic aircraft, exhibits, or visitors.
Hendon and Mill Hill Station Commander, Ryan Kerby, described it like this:
“Rising to the challenge and successfully rescue all involved, the Brigade were able to practice not only their own procedures, but working closely with the LAS, MET Police, Local authority, and other stakeholders fully embracing the chance to build strong working relationships under the JESIP principles. I would like to say a huge thank you to the Museum, colleagues from the LAS and MET, Casualty Union, and the Brigade crews who made this happen.”
The RAF Museum described the day as a “successful live emergency exercise,” with crews practising evacuation, firefighting, and salvage operations under challenging conditions. The London Fire Brigade also highlighted the importance of authentic training environments that enable firefighters to refine their skills under pressure.
For Concept, the exercise was a powerful demonstration of how advanced smoke technology can balance realism and safety, even in the most demanding environments.
Read more about the exercise here:
Equipment used:
