Testing and capabilities

FRNSW is one of a few fire services in the world with a dedicated Fire Research Team and fire testing capability. Our Fire Research Program is augmented by a dedicated, purpose-built Fire Testing and Research Facility in Londonderry, NSW with flexible test structures, state-of-the-art data acquisition systems, sensors, and equipment. Our research team has a unique capability to design and conduct robust testing programs to enable a better understanding of fire behaviour and fire safety systems.

Testing location

Fire and Rescue NSW Fire Testing and Research Facility in Londonderry, NSW (Western Sydney).

Currently planned testing activities

Period	Testing activities
Monday 28th April to Friday 2nd May 2025	Small-scale battery failure tests
Monday 5th May to Friday 9th May 2025	Small-scale battery failure tests
Monday 12th May to Friday 16th May 2025	Small-scale battery failure tests
Monday 19th May to Friday 23rd May 2025	Small-scale battery failure tests
Monday 26th May to Friday 30th May 2025	Small-scale battery failure tests and LiB pack ignition trials
Monday 2nd June to Friday 6th June 2025	Small-scale battery failure tests
Monday 9th June to Friday 13th June 2025	Small-scale battery failure tests
Monday 16th June to Friday 20th June 2025	Small-scale battery failure tests

Capabilities

Experience in experimental design and data analysis
Test facilities, including the CSIRO-built Destructive Battery Testing Facility, ISO 9705 room and various structures
Firefighting and HAZMAT equipment and capability
Fire testing equipment, including a 250+ channel NI data acquisition system
Over 100 probe-type and surface-type thermocouples
Heat flux sensors
Load cells and platforms
Optical sensors
Fire detection control and indicating equipment
Flow meters
Weather stations
High resolution thermal imaging equipment
High resolution video cameras and 3D camera
3 Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) gas analysers
Portable Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer (GCMS)