More than 100 emergency service staff from across the North West took part in a “challenging and realistic” training exercise in Knowsley.
Fire and rescue teams from across the region put their high-rise procedures to the test in a number of simulated emergency scenarios at the unoccupied Gaywood Green tower block on Broad Lane, Kirkby. Crews from Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service (MFRS), Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service, Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service and Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service all took part in the exercise, which saw 12 fire engines and multiple support vehicles descend on the scene.
The training day involved four exercises simulating a fire in Block 3 of Gaywood Green, with actors posing as residents in need of evacuation. MFRS said the event was designed to test current protocol, as well as providing an opportunity for new firefighters to experience a realistic fire and evacuation scenario in a high-rise building.
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MFRS group manager Phil Byrne said: “While the risk of serious fire in a high rise building in Merseyside is low, thanks in large part to our preventative work in the community, the Grenfell Tower tragedy is a constant reminder of what can happen when those risks become real. This exercise not only gave us a real opportunity to test our current procedures and national guidance – ensuring they are robust, effective and fit for future – but it also allowed us to work closely with cross border fire and rescue services and share learning and best practice.”
Gaywood Green, thought to be the only unoccupied high rise building in the North West being used to host live practice scenarios, has previously been utilised by MFRS for similar exercises in July 2021 and January 2020. GM Byrne expressed his gratitude to Livv Housing Group for allowing the tower block to be used for these vital training operations.
Tony Cahill, executive director for Property at Livv Housing Group, said: “The safety and protection of our residents is of the utmost importance to us, which is why we are proud to be working in partnership with the fire services to help them prepare for high rise emergency incidents.”
For free fire safety advice or to request a home fire safety check, call 0800 731 5958. High-rise specific fire safety advice can be found on the MFRS website.
