Fire team’s Grenfell exercise at tower flats

FIREFIGHTERS HAVE taken part in a training exercise at one of Doncaster’s biggest high-rise buildings in response to legislation changes following the devastating Grenfell Tower fire in London.

Working alongside staff from St Leger Homes, the training exercise took place at Shaftesbury House in Intake, where it gave crews from Doncaster the opportunity to practice new procedures in responding to fires in high-rise buildings.

Changes have been brought in following the tragic events at Grenfell Tower in 2017.

A total of 71 people died in the Kensington apartment block, which spread rapidly due to flammable cladding put on the building under a recent refurbishment.

But a public inquiry decried a number of institutional failings among fire brigade chiefs, saying preparations and training for an event such as the Grenfell fire were gravely inadequate and that serious mistakes were made on the night.

The Intake exercise also aims to help firefighters to further familiarise themselves with the layouts of the building and the different risks and challenges that are presented by tackling incidents in high-rise towers.

This is one of a series of exercises that South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue will be carrying out in buildings across the region.

Cath Toovey, the rescue service’s area manager, said: “While classroom and online training can be effective at explaining theoretical changes to our firefighters and incident commanders, there’s really no replacement for carrying out live, practical exercises like these.

“We’re particularly grateful to the residents in the buildings for their patience as we plan and deliver these exercises and to the colleges, local authorities and housing associations for working with us to make the training as realistic and effective as possible.”