High Rise Building Training Exercise

On Sunday 15th August, we carried out an exercise at Park Place flats in Harrogate to test our response to high rise incidents.

 The exercise took the form of a simulated flat fire with persons trapped in flats and on the roof of a 13 floor property.

 Crews from Harrogate, Knaresborough, Summerbridge, Ripon, Tadcaster, Masham, Northallerton and Wetherby (West Yorkshire fire and Rescue Service) all took part.

The aim of the exercise was to test current procedures for dealing with incidents in high rise buildings and allow staff to test out new equipment purchased following the outcomes of Grenfell Tower inquiry

 Temporary Station Manager Darren Henderson said: “The exercise was a great opportunity for crews to practice procedures, learn new techniques and have exposure to a challenging scenario for high rise incidents. There were some positive outcomes from the exercise, and it proved to be a great learning opportunity for all those who took part.

 “I’d like to say a big thank you to the residents of Park Place who allowed us to use the building, Harrogate Borough Council, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and all of the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue staff who attended. A special thank you must also go to the On-call stations who gave up their Sunday morning to take part in the exercise to enhance their knowledge and skills.”

“We are recruiting On-call firefighters at stations throughout the county and City of York so if you’re interested in finding out more about what the role involves please visit our website www.northyorksfire.gov.uk”