Montreal, October 4, 2007 -  The STM’s new underground fire prevention training centre (CFSPI) was inaugurated this afternoon, as part of a press conference with Mrs. Julie Boulet, Québec Minister of Transportation and Minister responsible for the Mauricie region, and Claude Trudel, Chairman of the STM Board of Directors.  

“With its new infrastructure accurately reproducing a section of the underground métro and a new learning environment for its students, the training centre, which already had an enviable international reputation, now ranks among the three most advanced training centres in the world. More than 500 people undergo training here each year,” declared Mr. Trudel.                                                               

Initially established to ensure the safety of persons and property, while reducing the number of service disruptions, the STM’s fire prevention section is now active on three fronts: inspection, training and first response. Indeed, fire prevention staff inspects and ensures the maintenance of firefighting and fire prevention equipment throughout the underground network, as well as in some thirty aboveground buildings. It provides technical support with the design of plans and specifications, and also takes part in monitoring various STM construction work sites. The section also trains STM employees, firefighters and police officers in handling firefighting equipment and familiarizing them with emergency procedures. Finally, it responds to some 650 emergency calls each year, providing further technical support to firefighters during such incidents.  

“Rebuilding the underground fire prevention training centre is a crucial investment in the public’s safety in the Montréal métro, but also for the population in general. I am particularly proud of taking part in the inauguration of the centre, whose reputation extends beyond our borders,” declared Transport Minister, Mrs. Boulet.  

Construction of the new training centre cost slightly more than $10M, as was carried out as part of the métro’s extension to Laval. “I wish to acknowledge the Québec government’s precious contribution toward realizing this project,” concluded Mr. Trudel.   

The STM’s first fire prevention team was established in 1975, while the first training school was located in an underground section of garage behind Henri-Bourassa station, now used to operate métro service to Laval.

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Information:  
Daniel Desharnais                         Direction des communications        Isabelle A. Tremblay
Attaché de presse                         Ministère des Transports                STM
Cabinet de la ministre                    514 873-5600                                       514 280-4940
des Transports 
418 643-6980