Crews test their response to cathedral fire

30 July 2008

AROUND 30 firefighters took part in a training exercise at Peterborough Cathedral last night (July 29) to test their response should there be a fire at the landmark building.

Crews from Dogsthorpe, Stanground, Peterborough Volunteers and Whittlesey took part in the exercise, which involved getting crews and a water supply into the rear of the cathedral where the pretend fire was located, and rescuing eight bell ringers, played by members of the community, who had become trapped on the roof of the building. The exercise was also designed to test operational command and control at an incident requiring a number of fire engines to attend.

Station Manager Richard Dykes said: "The exercise was extremely worthwhile and we got a lot out of it. Training away from our fire stations at locations in the community we serve, allows us to practise our different skills and techniques in real life situations, so we are better prepared. It also provides us with extra challenges and helps us become familiar with places we could attend in emergency situations.

"It was great for us to be able to use real people pretending to be trapped and we are grateful to Peterborough Cathedral staff for allowing us to train there and for providing a number of people to take part in the exercise."

The turntable ladder is used to attempt to rescue acting stranded bellringers from the cathedral roof Two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus enter the cathedral doors 

After the training exercise crews and members of the community who took part gather for a debrief  Firefighters set up an entry control area outside of the rear door to the cathedral and firefighters put on breathing apparatus and prepare to go inside