'Milestone day's as £50m firefighter training centre opens in Tyrone
A new £50 million training centre for firefighters has been opened in Northern Ireland.
The state-of-the-art facility in Cookstown, Co Tyrone, provides opportunities for scenario-based training in things like water rescue and collapsed buildings.
There is also a farm building and slurry tank to replicate the danger of slurry gases and provide an opportunity to train in large animal rescue.
One of the buildings also doubles as the deck of a ship with a bridge which can be set on fire.
Training is already being provided to firefighters from the Republic of Ireland at the site.
Officers were also given collapsed building training in the wake of the Creeslough tragedy in 2022 in which ten people died.
Dublin, Galway, Laois and Cork have all sent teams for Urban Search and Rescue training.
Northern Ireland's Chief Fire Officer Aidan Jennings described the opening of the new centre as a "milestone day" for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.
"The college is revolutionising how we train and develop our people to meet the evolving needs of a modern-day Fire and Rescue Service and build on the collaborative working with other emergency responders and statutory agencies," Mr Jennings said.
"This is key to successful emergency incident intervention and resolution," he added.
The £50m centre is a scaled back project from what had originally been envisaged on the site almost 20 years ago.
It was originally intended to be a joint training facility for all the emergency services including the police and ambulance service.
However, it was dogged by delay and questions over funding.
It was scaled back in recent years to be a fire service only facility.
Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly attended today's opening along with several other executive ministers.
Ms O'Neill said the training centre would serve people for generations.
"And it is no less than our brave firefighters deserve; the people who...daily, selflessly confront dangerous situations to keep people safe and save lives," she said.
"As well as being a real asset to the Mid Ulster area, it will stand as a centre of excellence that supports the safety of our whole community for many years to come," she added.
Ms Little-Pengelly said it would allow trainees to develop the skills to deal with an increasingly complex set of emergencies.
"It will ensure the brave men and women who pass through the doors are well equipped to save lives and protect property and the environment in the best and safest way possible," she said.
At present 42 firefighters are completing their training at the centre, the first recruits to pass through it.
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RTÉ News
28-05-2025
- RTÉ News
'Milestone day's as £50m firefighter training centre opens in Tyrone
A new £50 million training centre for firefighters has been opened in Northern Ireland. The state-of-the-art facility in Cookstown, Co Tyrone, provides opportunities for scenario-based training in things like water rescue and collapsed buildings. There is also a farm building and slurry tank to replicate the danger of slurry gases and provide an opportunity to train in large animal rescue. One of the buildings also doubles as the deck of a ship with a bridge which can be set on fire. Training is already being provided to firefighters from the Republic of Ireland at the site. Officers were also given collapsed building training in the wake of the Creeslough tragedy in 2022 in which ten people died. Dublin, Galway, Laois and Cork have all sent teams for Urban Search and Rescue training. Northern Ireland's Chief Fire Officer Aidan Jennings described the opening of the new centre as a "milestone day" for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service. "The college is revolutionising how we train and develop our people to meet the evolving needs of a modern-day Fire and Rescue Service and build on the collaborative working with other emergency responders and statutory agencies," Mr Jennings said. "This is key to successful emergency incident intervention and resolution," he added. The £50m centre is a scaled back project from what had originally been envisaged on the site almost 20 years ago. It was originally intended to be a joint training facility for all the emergency services including the police and ambulance service. However, it was dogged by delay and questions over funding. It was scaled back in recent years to be a fire service only facility. Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly attended today's opening along with several other executive ministers. Ms O'Neill said the training centre would serve people for generations. "And it is no less than our brave firefighters deserve; the people selflessly confront dangerous situations to keep people safe and save lives," she said. "As well as being a real asset to the Mid Ulster area, it will stand as a centre of excellence that supports the safety of our whole community for many years to come," she added. Ms Little-Pengelly said it would allow trainees to develop the skills to deal with an increasingly complex set of emergencies. "It will ensure the brave men and women who pass through the doors are well equipped to save lives and protect property and the environment in the best and safest way possible," she said. At present 42 firefighters are completing their training at the centre, the first recruits to pass through it.
RTÉ News
28-05-2025
- RTÉ News
New £50m firefighter training centre opens in Tyrone
A new £50 million training centre for firefighters has been opened in Northern Ireland. The state-of-the-art facility in Cookstown, Co Tyrone, provides opportunities for scenario-based training in things like water rescue and collapsed buildings. There is also a farm building and slurry tank to replicate the danger of slurry gases and provide an opportunity to train in large animal rescue. One of the buildings also doubles as the deck of a ship with a bridge which can be set on fire. Training is already being provided to firefighters from the Republic of Ireland at the site. Officers were also given collapsed building training in the wake of the Creeslough tragedy in 2022 in which ten people died. Dublin, Galway, Laois and Cork have all sent teams for Urban Search and Rescue training. Northern Ireland's Chief Fire Officer Aidan Jennings described the opening of the new centre as a "milestone day" for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service. "The college is revolutionising how we train and develop our people to meet the evolving needs of a modern-day Fire and Rescue Service and build on the collaborative working with other emergency responders and statutory agencies," Mr Jennings said. "This is key to successful emergency incident intervention and resolution," he added. The £50m centre is a scaled back project from what had originally been envisaged on the site almost 20 years ago. It was originally intended to be a joint training facility for all the emergency services including the police and ambulance service. However, it was dogged by delay and questions over funding. It was scaled back in recent years to be a fire service only facility. Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly attended today's opening along with several other executive ministers. Ms O'Neill said the training centre would serve people for generations. "And it is no less than our brave firefighters deserve; the people selflessly confront dangerous situations to keep people safe and save lives," she said. "As well as being a real asset to the Mid Ulster area, it will stand as a centre of excellence that supports the safety of our whole community for many years to come," she added. Ms Little-Pengelly said it would allow trainees to develop the skills to deal with an increasingly complex set of emergencies. "It will ensure the brave men and women who pass through the doors are well equipped to save lives and protect property and the environment in the best and safest way possible," she said. At present 42 firefighters are completing their training at the centre, the first recruits to pass through it.
The Irish Sun
16-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Firefighters and local man killed in horrific blaze at former RAF base are named as chief fights back tears over tragedy
TWO firefighters and the member of the public killed in a horrific blaze at a former RAF base have been named. Firefighters Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38, died alongside local man David Chester, 57, after "explosions" were heard at the site in Oxfordshire late on Thursday. 15 Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer, Rob MacDougall gave an emotional statement 15 Pictures show the devastation left behind a huge fire Bicester Credit: Dan Charity 15 The blaze erupted at 6.39pm Credit: SWNS 15 Neighbours saw black smoke billowing above the buildings Credit: UKNIP 15 Ten fire crews desperately fought the fire Jennie worked with Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service while Martyn served with both Jennie in Oxfordshire and with The London Fire Brigade. In a statement from Thames Valley Police tonight, the force explained it had commenced an unexplained death investigation into the tragedy. It added that the investigation was currently not criminal, but that evidence could change this. Earlier today, Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer Rob MacDougall commended his colleagues for their " unwavering bravery" as he gave an emotional statement Fighting back tears, he said: "A member of the public also sadly died in the incident. "Two further firefighters sustained serious injuries and are currently in hospital. "Ten fire crews attended the incident at Bicester Motion having been called to the scene at 18:39. Four crews remain at the scene with the fire now under control." RAF Bicester was predominantly used as a training site, but became redundant in 2004. Most read in The Sun The 350 acre former airfield in Oxfordshire became an active station over a century ago in 1917. Nineteen of the buildings on the site are Grade II listed and some structures are Scheduled Ancient Monuments. Bicester Heritage, more commonly known as Bicester Motion, is home to more than 50 specialist businesses which centre around classic car restoration and engineering. Historic England describes the iconic site as "the most complete and strongly representative example of an RAF airbase" in the country. In a statement, Bicester Motion described the bravery of emergency services as 'overwhelming' as they said they were 'deeply saddened' by the three deaths. Molly Pipe told the BBC that the smoke could horrifically be smelt "from perhaps half a mile away". 15 The gargantuan fire in Bicester Motion, Oxfordshire 15 Aerial pictures show the extent of the fire damage Credit: ITV News 15 Emergency services working hard at the scene last night Credit: PA 15 Cops at the scene after the fire Credit: PA Resident Vikas Talway, 40, told the He said: "There was a lot of smoke yesterday. Lots of people were gathering here on the corner but a lot of smoke was coming out. "There was flames on the roof, on the top of the roof, and a huge big cloud of smoke in the air. I could see it from this corner near my house." Bicester resident Nav Jordan, 39, said she was "really worried" when she could see smoke from her garden. She told the PA news agency: "We were actually in the garden with the kids and then all of a sudden we saw the flames glowing up at the back, and we did wonder what it was. "We were quite concerned if it was one of the houses over there, because we know all the neighbours and everyone in the local area. "So, my husband went for a walk just to go have a look and just saw the flames sort of going up." She added: "You could hear the crackling, it was loud. There were a few explosions as well. Sounds of things exploding, which is when we worked out it must have been Bicester Heritage." On the casualties, Ms Jordan added: "It's just really sad. I think it's because we all thought because it's Bicester Heritage we just assumed it was no-one's house, and because we know that building tends to be quite empty in the day we just assumed it would be fine. "To wake up to the news today, it's just so so sad, especially with two firefighters there trying to fight it." And Sam Holland , a local councillor, described seeing the blaze "from a distance". Bicester Motion released a statement praising the teams bravery. It said: "We are deeply saddened to share the tragic news that two firefighters and a close friend of the site have lost their lives. There are no words at times like this, but our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones. "We pray for the two firefighters in hospital. "The bravery shown by the emergency services teams has been overwhelming. We are grateful for all the support and especially the exceptional work by all in such unprecedented circumstances. "The strength and kindness of the Bicester community, of which we are proud members, has truly shown itself. "The site will remain closed over the weekend as we continue to work closely with the emergency services." MP for Bicester and Woodstock Calum Miller said in a statement: "I am heartbroken to learn that three people lost their lives in the fire yesterday at Bicester Motion. "My deep condolences go to the family and friends who are now grieving their loss. "I want to pay tribute to the bravery of our firefighters and emergency services. "It is terrible that two fire officers have lost their lives in the line of duty. "The death of colleagues will be felt by all in the fire service family and I am holding them in my thoughts. Read more on the Irish Sun "This is a devastating moment for our community. "I know it will express its support and care for all those affected." 15 Emergency services at the scene Credit: PA 15 At least 10 fire and rescue teams tackled the inferno 15 A police car near to the scene of a fire at Bicester Aerodrome, the site of the former RAF Bicester, in Oxfordshire Credit: PA 15 Police car at the scene Credit: PA 15 Clouds of smoke seen near the scene of the horror blaze 15 The charred building was a former RAF base
