“"It should be clear that realistic and practice-oriented learning is and remains the core of PAULO's operations. With the opening of the new fire training facility and shooting range, we are intensifying our focus on this. Here in Mendonk, we offer the most realistic and professional learning environment for our trainees. This ensures they are optimally prepared for the evolving needs within the security landscape."
PAULO Inaugurates New Fire Training Facility and Shooting Range on Mendonk Campus
Training center for emergency services invests in realistic infrastructure for police, fire brigade, and medical responders.
By Els Verhaeghe
••2 min read
AI
Generic image of a modern training facility with a fire simulation area and shooting range on a campus in Flanders.
On Friday, October 16, PAULO, the training center for emergency services of the Province of East Flanders, inaugurated its new fire training facility and shooting range on the campus in Mendonk (Ghent). This modern training infrastructure aims to provide even more realistic and practical training for police, fire brigade, and medical responders.
The new fire training facility allows for realistic exercises in interior and industrial firefighting, simulating conditions that closely resemble real-life situations. An integrated water purification system filters and reuses extinguishing water, contributing to a more sustainable operation.
The renovated shooting range consists of two separate 25-meter shooting tunnels, one with four and one with eight firing lanes. Various firing lines enable diverse shooting exercises. The infrastructure also includes a multifunctional classroom and waiting area, a workspace for weapon maintenance, and separate storage facilities for weapons and ammunition.
These facilities are part of the master plan for the further modernization of the PAULO site in Mendonk. The renovation addresses the increasing training needs and the ever-higher demands placed on emergency and security services.
Through this investment, PAULO enhances the quality of its training programs, continuing to build a future-oriented, sustainable, and professional training environment for the East Flanders emergency and security services.
Based on information from the official source: Provincie Oost-Vlaanderen — Persberichten (16/10/2026)



