Fire chiefs yesterday gave the go-ahead for a new £70,000 training unit at Birmingham International Airport.
The facility was backed unanimously by West Midlands Fire Service's executive committee. The new Carbonaceous Fire Behaviour Training Facility will help improve fire-fighting techniques in residential and high rise fires.
West Midlands Chief Fire Officer Frank Sheehan said the new facility was crucial if the brigade is to reduce the risk to firefighters.
He also said that while two simulators currently used by the fire service provided excellent initial training, they were " limited" in providing a realistic environment.
He added: "Real behaviour patterns of fire cannot be produced in a simulator. This can lead to firefighters becoming over- familiar with fire behaviour in simulators and not being sufficiently aware of the higher risks created by real compartmental fires."
The brigade was recently approached by the airport to enter into a partnership. Maintenance costs would be shared between BIA and the brigade.
