Berkeley Heights, NJ – Flashover remains one of the most dangerous phenomena firefighters encounter. The rapid transition from a developing fire to full-room involvement can occur in seconds, leaving little margin for error. Recognizing this, CAL FIRE made a significant investment to upgrade their regional training grounds with six Flashover Simulator ST-PRO systems across three regional training centers—two units each in Ione, Redding, and Riverside.
This multi-site deployment represents one of the most substantial commitments to next-generation flashover training infrastructure in California, equipping instructors statewide with the tools to deliver consistent, high-quality live-fire education.
Why Flashover Training Matters
Understanding fire behavior is an essential part, and traditional classroom instruction can only go so far. Firefighters need controlled, repeatable exposure to real conditions to make training the most effective.
Symtech Fire’s ST-PRO Flashover Simulator provides the right environment for training: instructors can manipulate ventilation, fuel load, and fire progression to create tailored training scenarios, giving firefighters the hands-on experience necessary to read fire behavior and make split-second decisions.
Built for Longevity and Performance
Symtech Fire engineered the ST-PRO to exceed the durability and performance of conventional flashover trainers. Key differentiators include:
- Heavy-Duty Construction: Each ST-PRO system is over 50% heavier than many competing trainers including the ones they replaced at CAL Fire. This added mass translates to structural resilience and extends operational life.
- Premium Materials Throughout: Flashover trainers are built from new, one-way ISO containers and finished with industrial-grade coatings for maximum corrosion resistance. The burn chamber features a heat shield liner and insulation system rated for 2,300° F, specifically designed for repeated live-fire scenarios.
- Advanced Ventilation Control: Beyond the standard horizontal (door) vertical (chimney) vent, and baffle system, the ST-PRO adds an induction vent for fresh-air intake and a trench vent for cold-smoke exhaust. These features give instructors precise control over fire dynamics and smoke behavior, while reducing net exposure for participants compared to traditional designs.
- Reinforced Floor Systems: Steel flooring with drain integration and paver protection throughout the unit simplifies maintenance and extends the life of the system.
- Centralized Instructor Controls: All major controls are positioned inside the trainer, enabling a single instructor to maintain full operational authority during evolutions.
The Critical Role of a Hand-Over Train-the-Trainer Program
A successful flashover simulator program depends not only on the technology itself, but on properly trained instructors who can deliver safe, consistent, high-quality training. That’s why Symtech emphasizes a formal handover Train-the-Trainer program for every installation. Through our partnership with On Scene Training Associates, departments receive expert instruction on both simulator operation and live-fire teaching methodologies, ensuring their own personnel can run repeatable, safe evolutions. This creates long-term sustainability and maximizes the value of the simulator investment. Even with CAL FIRE’s extensive experience with Flashover training, orientation to Symtech new state-of-the-art features was paramount.
Looking Ahead
CAL FIRE’s investment in flashover training infrastructure positions the agency well for the future. As training standards evolve and departments seek more realistic live-fire experiences, the ability to deliver controlled, repeatable flashover scenarios becomes increasingly valuable. The ST-PRO systems at Ione, Redding, and Riverside provide that capability – durable, controllable, and ready for the next generation of firefighters.
For more information about the Flashover Simulator ST-PRO and other Symtech Fire training solutions, visit: Flashover Container – Symtech
For more information on On Scene Training Associates, visit: On Scene Training | On-Site Engine, Ladder & Rescue Operations – Home
