Ashford fire station is about to transform into one of the UK’s most modern and innovative firefighter training sites – set to be fit for the future in every way.  

Work started on Monday 12 August on Kent Fire and Rescue Service’s state-of-the-art real fire training facility (RFTF), on the land of the existing fire station in Henwood - which is also being remodelled but will remain fully operational throughout the build. The project is expected to be completed by December 2025.   

The development comes following the Grenfell Tower fire, from which all UK fire services are learning and striving to enhance firefighter skills surrounding challenging buildings. Once complete, the RFTF will simulate realistic scenarios in a high-rise environment, with real flames, providing crews with valuable experience and knowledge.  

The high-tech training capability will help to enhance the skills of firefighters now and for the future, with a focus on sustainability across the whole project. Features include a specialist smoke filtration and extraction system on the live fire training building, and rainwater harvesting across the site to be used during training exercises. 

Ann Millington, Chief Executive at Kent Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We’re incredibly excited to get this redevelopment underway having worked closely with firefighting industry experts, Ashford Borough Council, and other leaders in this field to get this right. We’ve also consulted with nearby businesses and residents to seek feedback and to make sure we continue to work responsibly with the local community. Work started on site this week, with Morgan Sindall delivering the construction of this innovative project. 

“The development is significantly important to us, and it’s essential to further boost the skills of our firefighters so they’re even more prepared and highly competent when responding to fires in really challenging buildings. We can only hope we never see a fire like Grenfell Tower ever again, but with enhanced theoretical and practical training already embedded at KFRS, and the introduction of realistic exercises in our new real fire training facility, all our crews will be prepared and the best they can be at an enhanced level for a significant fire like that.  

“This project is about future proofing our operational workforce through high quality training around complex properties and evolving building design, but it also demonstrates our commitment to creating a sustainable and efficient site, with many environmentally friendly features purposely weaved into the design.” 

Guy Hannell, Morgan Sindall Construction’s Southern Home Counties Area Director, said: “Kent Fire and Rescue Service’s (KFRS) new facility will be a fantastic example of a space that meets the challenging demands of the fire service in an innovative and sustainable manner. This has been possible thanks to the ambition of KFRS and a collaborative, Intelligent Solutions-led approach to delivering an on-budget, high-end environment tailored to the service's needs." 

“Supporting our emergency services with world-class training facilities showcases the connection between the construction industry and local communities, while demonstrating the effectiveness of strong public/private partnerships. The importance of fire training facilities is never lost on our team, who are dedicated to creating the best possible built solutions to assist the training and upskilling of service personnel.”