FIRE and rescue staff took part in a dramatic training exercise at flats in South Cerney recently.

Members of staff from Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service and Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service participated in the activity, which took place in Berkeley Close in the village on July 25 and 30 between 7pm and 9pm.

The exercise entailed a simulated report of a flat fire on the second floor of the block of flats, which was offered for use in the activity by housing association Bromford.

It used three fire engines per training scenario, plus breathing apparatus, hoses and hydrants.

The aim of the exercise was to train in real-life circumstances to better develop teams and to test joint rescue and breathing apparatus procedures between Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service and Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Mark Preece, chief fire officer at Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Although we hope that we will never be called to such an incident, taking part in training exercises that are as true to real-life circumstances as possible helps us to ensure that we are fully prepared and can respond effectively and appropriately when we are needed.

“This particular training exercise has provided an opportunity for us to test and further develop our skills in responding to a simulated fire in a three-storey block of flats while working collaboratively with our partners from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.”