FIRE chiefs in Warwickshire are working to ensure they are equipped and ready to tackle high rise call outs in the wake of the Grenfell tragedy.
Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service carried out an operational exercise in Leamington to assess the effectiveness of a newly reviewed safety procedure when dealing with incidents in tall buildings. It also enabled fire chiefs to assess equipment and deployment of manpower.
The morning exercise, which took place at Ashton Court in Lillington, involved a mock fire located on the upper floor of the eight storey building.
Crews set up a ‘bridgehead’ – a safe position within the building – from which to carry out firefighting.
Appliances attended from Leamington, Kenilworth, Southam, Stratford, Nuneaton and Atherstone stations, with crews briefed both before and after the training.
Warwickshire County Council community safety spokesman Coun Andy Crump said: “Given recent high profile incidents involving high rise buildings, it is essential we ensure that our firefighters are able to deal effectively with incidents of this nature here in Warwickshire.
“As well as testing the new guidance, training exercises such as these are important for ensuring that fire crews have the correct resources and equipment in order to carry out operations effectively. They play a vital role in helping to keep Warwickshire communities safer.”
Warwick District Council housing spokesman Peter Phillips stressed the importance of such exercises.
He added: “We are committed to working with Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service to ensure the safety of our tenants and leaseholders in all of our high rise blocks.
“Along with of our comprehensive programme of fire safety works, exercises such as this demonstrate the importance of preparedness, ensuring we have the best safety procedures in place.”
