Ever seen one of these? Reminiscent of a suburban wasteland, these buildings are simulated elements of a small town, in terms of both their interiors and outside architecture. And inside rages a flaming inferno.

Smoke and fumes: fire sources have been deliberately ignited at various points of the shopping centre (here: snack bar) – and are now being tackled.

Standing in front of the blazing fire catapults the fire fighters almost automatically from the simulation to a situation that barely differs from reality.

Whether flashover ...

... or attic blaze: every fire has its own individual hazards and calls for special tactics. Realistic training in these tactics takes place in the world’s largest fire simulation plant (in Vire, France).

The command post has every detail of the flaming inferno under control. Safety has utmost priority even during training.