Large high-rise training exercise takes place in Rochdale

Tuesday, 28 March 2023 08:25

By David Murphy

LAST WEEK Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service ran a large-scale exercise to test procedures for dealing with fires in a high-rise.

Ten appliances attended the exercise at Mitchell Hey, Rochdale, made up of crews from Rochdale, Oldham, Bury, Bolton and Wigan.

The exercise would not have been possible without the support of our volunteers who help to create realistic scenes and situations. Over 100 took part in this exercise. They played the part of live casualties and simulated emergency calls.

Exercises like this are carried out regularly by the fire and rescue service to train in a realistic environment.

Leon Parkes, Assistant Chief Fire Officer at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, said:

“This type of exercise is a vital part of our training and development as we continue to provide the best possible response to people across Greater Manchester.

“Since the tragedy of Grenfell Tower there has been lots of national recommendations on high-rise fires and building safety, and we have undertaken a fundamental review of our procedures and invested in our capability, with the introduction of smoke hoods and smoke curtains, to ensure we are able to deal with fires and evacuations more effectively."

Fire crews worked closely with Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Boroughwide Housing staff to ensure multi-agency learning and training.

North West Fire Control, who handle 999 calls for the fire service, also tested their procedures as part of this exercise, with the help of living footage from the scene being streamed to them via the Air Unit’s drone.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service appreciates the support and understanding of the local residents to support this important exercise.

To find out about Greater Manchester’s High Rise and Building Safety Taskforce visit: manchesterfire.gov.uk/your-safety/high-rise-and-building-safety-taskforce/