The UK’s most technologically advanced emergency service training site, the National Resilience Centre of Excellence, has officially opened in Merseyside. The launch event featured prominent guests including the Rt Hon Dame Diana Johnson DBE MP, Minister of State for the Home Office, alongside government partners, Chief Fire Officers, and fire service leaders from across the UK.

During the event, attendees were presented with simulated scenarios showcasing the Centre's capabilities, including a catastrophic building collapse, a marauding terrorist attack, mass decontamination, and a significant fire in a multi-storey building. These simulations highlighted the facility's state-of-the-art training environment, designed to prepare firefighters for a wide range of emergencies.

The Centre, part of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service’s (MFRS) new Training and Development Academy, boasts a variety of immersive and realistic training zones. These include a six-storey high-rise building, a row of terraced houses, a motorway setting, specialist vehicle garages, and a High-Volume Pump (HVP) training area. Additionally, there is a rubble pile for search and rescue training and a suite of practical training classrooms. A purpose-built command and control suite allows for training scenarios ranging from small-scale incidents to major multi-agency responses.

Chief Fire Officer for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, Phil Garrigan, expressed his enthusiasm for the new Centre. “The establishment of the national resilience centre of excellence here in Merseyside acknowledges the contribution the Service makes every day in the field of national resilience and marks a significant milestone in our ambition to further enhance the fire and rescue services response to national emergencies - ensuring the safety and security of communities across the country," he stated.

Garrigan also praised the foresight of the Merseyside Fire Authority, Home Office, and the National Fire Chiefs Council in supporting the vision of the Centre, creating a lasting legacy that recognises the vital role of fire and rescue services in managing devastating and disruptive incidents.

Mark Hardingham, Chair of the National Fire Chief Council, highlighted the significance of the new Centre. "The launch of the National Resilience Centre of Excellence marks a significant advancement in our capacity to train and prepare firefighters for the most challenging and catastrophic events which are the effect of climate change, flooding, wildfires, and conflict - whether through terror or the increasing risk of war," he said. Hardingham emphasised the collaborative effort in delivering this unique facility, which will ensure firefighters are exceptionally well-prepared to protect the public and strengthen the National Resilience framework.

Minister of State, The Rt Hon Dame Diana Johnson DBE MP, congratulated the National Resilience team and MFRS for their dedication and commitment to public safety. “This facility will go a long way in making our communities safer, and ensure our brave firefighters are trained to the highest standards to continue their heroic efforts saving lives," she remarked. Johnson also expressed her anticipation for building strong relationships with the sector to drive change and consistency within all communities.

The National Resilience Centre of Excellence is set to play a crucial role in coordinating the national response from fire and rescue services to large-scale events, equipping firefighters with the necessary skills and training to respond effectively to emergencies whenever and wherever they occur.

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