The site just off the A24 is the first of its type in the country.
The centre opens today in a ceremony attended by West Sussex County Council Leader, Paul Marshall, and Chief Fire Officer, Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, will allow firefighters to train in a wide range of realistic scenarios, such as live fire conditions, working from height and road traffic collisions.
A WSFRS spokesperson said: " The centre will further enhance the skills and professionalism of our staff enabling them to continue serving the residents and communities of West Sussex."
It has been almost 18 months in the making… but the time has almost come to open the doors of our brand new Training Centre and Horsham Fire Station! pic.twitter.com/H7A8fEst6r
— West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (@WestSussexFire) July 9, 2023
The new site combines a multi-use training centre and 24/7 response fire station for Horsham and the surrounding area. Firefighters from the existing fire station at Hurst Road will move to the new site.
Road users travelling on the A24 in Horsham will also see new road signage outside West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service's brand new Training Centre and Horsham Fire Station.
Wig-wags – a signalling device commonly used at level crossings, consisting of two red lights and an amber light in a triangular formation – have been installed on the slip road to allow fire engines to safely enter the dual carriageway when attending an emergency.
West Sussex County Council’s Highways department and West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service are urging road users to obey these signalling devices and stop driving whilst they’re flashing red.
Matt Davey, Assistant Director, Highways, Transport and Planning, said: “When an amber light flashes, this is a warning of impending activity. When two red lights flash, all vehicles should stop and allow fire engines to depart the station safely.
“We are installing additional stop signs to help keep everyone safe, but it is imperative that drivers remain vigilant and are aware of the new signalling devices.”
Roy Barraclough, Station Manager at Horsham Fire Station, added: “If people don’t stop when instructed to do so, fire engines will have to wait on the forecourt until it is safe to leave, which can slow down the response time to an emergency call-out and put lives in danger.
“Ignoring the stop lights can have potentially disastrous consequences – not only for the driver, but for other road users and people waiting for the fire engine to arrive. Therefore, I would urge everyone in the area to familiarise themselves with the new signage and make sure they’re being adhered to.”
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