High-Level Tunnel Training for Firefighters: Road tunnel fire suppression under real conditions
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To preserve the surface of the Earth as livable, we must embrace underground infrastructure. Let’s shape it safely together!
Operations in underground transport facilities present unique challenges for firefighters. Limited space, darkness, reduced ventilation options, and other factors lead to increased physical and psychological stress for emergency personnel.
Since 2021, Austrian firefighters have had the opportunity to perfect road tunnel fire suppression under real conditions at the Tunnel Training Center (TTZ) of the Austrian Fire Brigade Association (ÖBFV) located at Erzberg in Styria.
A railway tunnel facility has also been available since 2024. More than 800 firefighters have completed this intensive training in approximately 60 sessions.
Austrian fire brigades make a significant contribution to tunnel safety in Austria, supporting infrastructure operators in their responsibility to ensure safety within tunnels. Education and ongoing training are key to successful operations, and facilities like the TTZ—along with the necessary funding and technical development—are essential.
“Only under real conditions can our crews develop a feel for these demanding situations. Our Tunnel Training Center offers them a high-end version of that experience,” says Klaus Tschabuschnig, ÖBFV Head of Operations and Training.
Following basic tunnel training at local and regional fire schools, the TTZ provides routine and confidence for tunnel operations. Trained members of “portal fire brigades”—those responsible for tunnel facilities—can refine their skills under realistic conditions.
“This means that previously learned content is repeated and reinforced at the TTZ so it can be recalled under stress,” Tschabuschnig adds.
The three-day training is physically demanding and requires focused, calm execution. Nationally standardized tactics and unified procedures ensure operational safety.
In addition to established road tunnel training, the TTZ has offered railway tunnel training since 2024. Trainers are experts from the ÖBFV Tunnel Competence Center (Tyrol Fire School), other regional fire schools, professional fire brigades, and the ÖBFV.
A unique aspect of the training is the joint participation of ÖBB’s industrial fire brigade and public fire brigades. These industrial firefighters include future operators of ÖBB’s new service jets—making early collaboration during training a valuable experience.
Since Austrian fire brigades train for operations in ASFINAG and ÖBB facilities, funding for these training units is provided by both infrastructure operators in close partnership with the Montanuniversität Leoben.
“Austria is a country of tunnels, which makes education and training in this demanding field all the more important,” says Fire Brigade President Robert Mayer.
“I’m grateful we’ve found a valuable partner in Montanuniversität Leoben. This cooperation opens new possibilities in training and research. The tunnel operators have created the necessary framework through their financial contributions, significantly enhancing safety and smooth collaboration.”
Live Fire Training with Gas-Fired Systems
The underground facility includes a dual-tube road tunnel, two parallel railway tunnel tubes, and a test gallery—enabling research, development, education, and training under real underground conditions. Built to a 1:1 scale, the facility includes all technical features of a real tunnel: cross passages, emergency niches, escape routes, overhead rail lines, and ventilation systems.
The operations building houses the monitoring center and offices. Adjacent is the modular training building used by the fire brigade. A gas tank located 200 meters away supplies the live fire training system inside the mountain. The fire zone is covered with a heat shield to protect the concrete tunnel ceiling from thermal stress. Thermal cameras monitor the fire training and gas flames, allowing all activity to be observed from the control room. In emergencies, gas supply can be shut off and ventilation activated from there.
Two large training zones require partial access on foot. In the railway tunnel, hose management, search, and rescue are practiced. The tunnel is heavily smoked and darkened, requiring participants to navigate using thermal cameras and search poles. Upon reaching the train cars, teams split up—some search outside, others inside—while minimizing smoke intrusion into the cars.
Styria Faces Special Demands
Erzberg, located in the Leoben district of Styria, was chosen as the TTZ site due to synergies with Montanuniversität Leoben.
“Styria is currently involved in several railway tunnel projects, so our fire brigades are especially challenged to train and prepare personnel,” says Reinhard Leichtfried, Styria’s Fire Chief.
“Many brigades have long been preparing for the commissioning of the Koralm and Semmering base tunnels.”
Zentrum am Berg – Science and Research
Montanuniversität Leoben operates the Zentrum am Berg (ZaB) at Erzberg—a unique European research infrastructure focused on underground construction and operations. Completed and opened in October 2021, it now serves as a training center for fire brigades. With over four kilometers of underground facilities, ZaB is a globally unique site for geotechnical and tunnel engineering research, as well as tunnel safety and underground construction training.
ZaB is also used by manufacturers of tunnel systems and components for large-scale testing of new products and materials under real underground conditions.
“Thanks go to the federal and Styrian governments for enabling this unique research infrastructure,” says Robert Galler, Head of ZaB.
“To preserve the surface of the Earth as livable, we must embrace underground infrastructure. Let’s shape it safely together!”
Photo Credits:
- TTZ_Löschtraining-3.jpg: FEUERWEHR.AT | M. Seyfert
- TTZ-Sprecher.jpg: LFV Stmk/Meier
- Additional photos: FEUERWEHR.AT | R. Berger (Free to use with correct credit.)
Contact: Andreas Rieger, MA Chief Fire Officer Head of Communications, ÖBFV Head of Public Relations and Awareness Director, ÖBFV Communication Competence Center CEO, ÖBFV Medien GmbH FEUERWEHR.AT – Official magazine of the Austrian Fire Brigade Association
