Firefighters are set to carry out a live training exercise at Chichester’s former House of Fraser building to strengthen their search and rescue skills.
Firefighters are set to carry out a live training exercise at Chichester’s former House of Fraser building to strengthen their search and rescue skills.
Residents may see a large emergency service presence in the area today (Monday 11 May), with smoke coming from the former department store as crews simulate a fire.
The exercise will involve a scenario where one casualty is trapped inside the building.
Four fire engines and several officers will be in the area between 7pm and 10pm.
Tower Street will be closed for the duration of the exercise.
Anton Mezzone, Station Manager at Chichester Fire Station, said: “This training exercise will provide our crews with an opportunity to test their skills in a high-pressure scenario without the real-life stakes.
“Our firefighters carry out regular training at our fire stations and training centre to ensure they are as resilient and ready as can be. However, rarely do we get opportunities to carry out extensive training exercises in such prominent locations, and we are extremely fortunate to have the chance to carry out our exercise in this Grade II listed building.”
During the exercise, firefighters will fully immerse themselves in the training scenario and work together to resolve the mock incident.
The aim is to test current policies and firefighting techniques used for incidents of this type.
Because the exercise is taking place inside the premises, public viewing points will not be available on this occasion.
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