Firefighters carried out a “high rise exercise” in Brighton today (Thursday 31 August) to practise its response to a fire in a big commercial building.
The exercise took place at New England House, in New England Street, a short distance from Preston Circus Fire Station where an aerial ladder platform is stationed.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said that the scenario was a fire breaking out on one of the upper floors.
Assistant director of safer communities Mark Matthews said: “Fortunately a fire of this nature is not a regular occurrence but that’s why it is so important that our crews run events like this.
“It means crews experience what it would be like to deal with a fire in a large building and also gives us the opportunity to improve our response plans if there was a real emergency.
“It is always worth ensuring you know the evacuation plan and potential escape routes if you work in a high rise building.
“If you don’t know, ask your managers.
“There should also be clear signage for fire exits and work places should run fire drills.”
Crews from Preston Circus, Roedean and Hove took part in the drill and were joined by colleagues from elsewhere in the county.
Other colleagues provided cover while the exercise took place.
The cladding’s coming off the police station in John Street and the tower block at the Royal Sussex. It would be good to know whether that’s a result of the checks being carried out after the Grenfell Tower fire or for some other reason.