Firefighters are set to carry out a live training exercise inside Chichester’s former House of Fraser building to strengthen their search and rescue skills.
The exercise will take place on Monday 11 May, when residents may see a large emergency service presence in the area. Smoke may also be seen coming from the former department store as crews simulate a fire involving one casualty trapped inside.
Four fire engines and several officers will be in the area from 7pm until 10pm. Tower Street will be closed for the duration of the exercise.
The training has been designed to give crews the chance to test their response in a realistic, high-pressure environment, while avoiding the dangers of a real emergency.
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.”
Throughout the exercise, firefighters will be fully immersed in the scenario as they work together to resolve the mock incident.
The aim is to test current policies and firefighting techniques used in incidents of this type, while helping crews maintain the skills needed for real emergencies.
As the training will take place inside the building, there will not be any public viewing points on this occasion.
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