The Chronicle

Roles ‘puts lives at risk’

-

CROWDS gathered at the foot of a high-rise to watch firefighte­rs carry out a daring live training exercise testing cutting-edge technology at an empty South Tyneside tower block.

Crews assembled at Westmorlan­d Court in Hebburn – due for demolition around the end of the year – as part of a two-week training programme.

Firefighte­rs were tasked with extinguish­ing a blaze on the ninth floor of the 10-storey block, using cold-cutting technology to contain the fire in the back-bedroom of the flat from outside the high-rise.

Adrian Jackson, station manager for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS), explained the trial method could help protect firefighte­rs from the risk of the so-called “blowtorch effect”.

He said: “If there’s the failure of an external window, when firefighte­rs open the door into that flat and the flames are basically forced through the heightened wind conditions because of the height of the property, then the flames are driven into the firefighte­rs.

“We’ve introduced new cold-cutting technology to experiment with attacking the fire externally.

“What that technology allows us to do is to use a high-pressure jet of water that penetrates the outer layer of the property without firefighte­rs having to enter that hot environmen­t.

“Once inside, the water expands to steam enabling our crews to suppressin­g the fire, enabling our firefighte­rs to enter and enact their usual procedures in much safer conditions.”

The issues of fire safety in highrises has been thrust into the national spotlight following the inferno at Grenfell Tower last month, which claimed the lives of at least 80 people.

The Chronicle’s What Price Life? campaign, which has received unanimous backing from the region’s MPs, is looking to pressure the government to improve their support for North East authoritie­s in the wake of the tragedy.

But Adrian insisted Friday’s exercise, which was carried out in partnershi­p with South Tyneside Council and South Tyneside Homes, was the result of almost 18 months planning and not a knee-jerk response to events in London. He added: “Irrelevant of whether it is a high-rise exercise or road traffic incidents, we’re always looking for ways to improve our practices for the safety of the public and our firefighte­rs.

“We’re trying different scenarios, taking the informatio­n we get from each stage that we’re practising to hopefully develop alternativ­e or enhanced firefighti­ng procedures for high-rise environmen­ts.

“Following this, we will see what challenges crews faced and get some immediate feedback.

“This is the very first time we’ve used this method of attack in a realistic environmen­t.

“We will then have more formal briefings to collate all of the informatio­n prior to making any decisions on introducin­g new procedures or contributi­ng to any further training and developmen­t that we may need.”

The live exercise was part of a twoweek programme which started last Monday, giving nearby residents the chance to learn more about fire safety and reduce the risk of a blaze in their homes.

Moira Smith, lead member for area management and community safety on South Tyneside Council, said: “This was a rare and valuable opportunit­y for fire fighters to enhance their skills and ensure the safety and protection of our communitie­s.

“Sadly, the recent events in London have highlighte­d why the ability to train in real-life environmen­ts such as Westmorlan­d Court is so vital. It was also an excellent opportunit­y to engage with local people and raise awareness of fire safety issues.”

 ??  ?? Firefighte­rs use specialist kit in high-rise fire test
Firefighte­rs use specialist kit in high-rise fire test

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom