Firefighters from across Wiltshire have tackled flames and searched for trapped casualties during a realistic training exercise in Marlborough.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) crews were given access to cottages where they could practise responding to a building fire in controlled conditions.
Firefighters from Marlborough, Trowbridge and Tisbury took part, working together on scenarios designed to reflect incidents they could be called to attend.
The exercise involved live fires, with crews wearing breathing apparatus entering the buildings to search for simulated casualties reported to be trapped inside.
It provided firefighters with valuable experience of operating in realistic conditions while tackling a fire and carrying out searches.
Crews were able to practise techniques used to extinguish fires, safely navigate buildings in breathing apparatus and locate casualties.
The scenarios also tested communication, teamwork and decision-making under pressure – all important when several crews are working together at an emergency.
Marlborough firefighters initially used the site for live fire training on Monday drill night (3 August).
Further training took place involving firefighters from Trowbridge and Tisbury, including a joint breathing apparatus exercise.
Having access to the cottages allowed DWFRS to provide crews with practical live fire experience in an unfamiliar building.
It also gave firefighters from different stations an opportunity to train alongside each other, reflecting how crews can be brought together to deal with larger or more complex incidents.
The venue was secured with assistance from a local estate, building contractor and demolition company.
Their support meant the buildings could be used for the exercises and offered as a training venue to other DWFRS crews across Wiltshire.
