New facility will be used for fire behaviour training, hot fire and foam training.

Construction work has started on a new fire behaviour training centre, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has revealed.

The centre will be based at Exeter International Airport and is due for completion in spring 2013.

Interserve has been awarded the �3.35million construction contract by Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.

The building will be used by the service to train its firefighters.

It will provide facilities for fire behaviour training and hot fire and foam training.

The facility will also include mock-up houses and an aeroplane to practice specialised firefighting techniques.

Chief Fire Officer for Devon and Somerset, Lee Howell, said: “The new facilities will improve airport and local authority firefighter training and the safety of the public.

“Professional training is a priority for the service and this centre will provide us and the airport with an enhanced capability.”

The site will also accommodate an emergency command unit, welfare facilities, lecture theatres and general administration.