AC Matthew Hammond, a recent graduate of the RAAF Base Amberley Fire Training School, in front of the facility's Boeing 737, which can simulate internal and external fires. Photo by SGT Mark Dowling

Aircraft and buildings burst into flames at RAAF Base Amberley in early May, but instead of panicking Air Force personnel were celebrating.

The property was deliberately set alight as part of the official opening of Amberley's world-class fire training facility on May 3.

The only one of its type in the Southern Hemisphere, the $10.5 million RAAF Base Amberley Fire Training School is designed to provide the most realistic training possible for military fire fighters.

To do so, it relies on a remarkable computer system to deliver a range of life-like scenarios normally associated with full-scale emergencies.

This state-of-the-art technology is considered the most advanced of any facility of its type in the world and can simulate a Boeing 737 with external and internal fires, an F/A-18 fuel spill or a fire emergency in a two-storey warehouse requiring vertical rescues from the roof and windows.

Amberley Public Affairs Officer Wing Commander Tom Buckham said the training facility's holistic control and management system also made it extremely safe for fire fighting recruits.

For example, powerful exhaust fans can rid the warehouse of thick smoke in a matter of seconds with the touch of a button.

WGCDR Buckham said the facility's ability to create incredibly real scenarios, coupled with its unsurpassed safety features, meant that training time for recruits would be cut considerably.

The Fire Training School will train both Air Force and Army fire fighters from across Australia.

Civilian organisations such as the Queensland Fire Brigade had also expressed strong interest, WGCDR Buckham said.

The SAS and Queensland police have already used the school, which has been operational for some time.

In addition to the computer simulations, it also boasts new classroom facilities and a fire-engine maintenance training workshop.

The facility is also extremely environmentally friendly, according to WGCDR Buckham. He said all water used was treated on-site to prevent potentially harmful chemicals from escaping into nearby waterways.

The facility was officially opened by Air Commodore Stewart Cameron, Commander Combat Support Group.

By Ben Caddaye