Doomed tower blocks in Sunderland get a temporary new use by the fire brigade
‘Safety is our highest priority’
Wearside firefighting crews are putting three disused tower blocks to good use before they are bulldozed.
Teams from the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service will train on the Lambton, Londonderry and Lumley Towers to prepare crews for complex emergency incidents.
It will help firefighters to develop and test new procedures for tackling fires in tall buildings, in realistic conditions using both cosmetic and cold smoke-filled environments.
All TWFRS operational firefighters are expected to complete the training programme which includes ventilation training, stairwell protection and evacuation and search strategies.
Leon Stephenson, Head of Fire and Building Safety at Gentoo, said: "Safety is our highest priority, and we're pleased to be able to support Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service with this important training opportunity.
"These buildings provide a unique environment for firefighters to train in realistic high-rise conditions before the towers are demolished. The exercises will help crews build on their skills, strengthen emergency response procedures and ultimately support the safety of people living in high-rise homes across the region.
"By giving firefighters the opportunity to train in a real high-rise environment, we're helping to ensure they are even better equipped to respond effectively should an incident occur in any of our high-rise residential buildings. Ultimately, this partnership helps improve safety for our customers, colleagues and communities.”
Graeme Taylor, Station Manager for Operations at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: "These exercises provide a valuable opportunity for our firefighters to train in a realistic high-rise environment and explore new procedures under carefully controlled conditions.
“Working in partnership with Gentoo allows us to test, evaluate and refine our approach to complex incidents, helping to ensure our crews are prepared to respond effectively when it matters most.
“Training opportunities such as these support our commitment to learning, innovation and keeping our communities and firefighters safe.”