RWA smokes out a winning solution
The Client: West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service
Serving a population of 2 million people spread over an area of almost 800 square miles, the fire service operates 48 local fire stations across the county with all appliances mobilised in response to 999 calls from the service’s central control room headquarters in Birkenshaw, Bradford.
The Challenge
The fire service also has an on-site ‘smoke house’, a specially designed building that plays a key part in its fire fighting training programmes. Fires deliberately started in the building enable fire crews to put theory and training into practice in realistic reconstruction situations.
Unfortunately the building also generates large volumes of smoke discharge which presents a potential air pollution problem for Kirklees Council and local residents and so RWA was tasked with designing a bespoke ventilation system for the smoke house.
The Solution
RWA’s mechanical and electrical engineering skills were required to help minimise air pollution and ensure compliance towards the Clean Air Act. Involving complex fire calculations and full awareness of environmental compliance criteria, RWA designed a sophisticated ventilation extraction system and specialised duct work which prevents the smoke billowing out of the windows and instead extracts it up a 20 metre high chimney and out into the atmosphere.
Comment
“The smoke house is an invaluable facility both for young trainees and experienced fire fighters, enabling the simulation of potential real-life emergency situations. Fortunately RWA’s full design of the ventilation system ensures any air pollution issues are addressed and the house continues to play its vital training role.”
West Yorkshire Fire’s Property Manager, Robert Davison
