Telford high rise is location for firefighter training - with pictures
People living around a tower block may have thought that they were witnessing a major disaster.
Smoke was seen billowing out of the empty Manor Heights building in Hadley.
People living around the flats said they saw five fire engines and other emergency vehicles.
But there was no disaster, it was actually the scene of training by Shropshire Fire and Rescue service, who were using the building to practice techniques.
The building on Haybridge Road has been empty for a number of years and is currently undergoing renovation. The work is to practice responses at flats in the wake of the Grenfell tower blaze.
And it was used on Wednesday evening for crews to ensure they are prepared for any eventuality.
Organised by Shropshire Fire and Rescue Services’ Group Support team, crews were battling a simulated fire on seventh floor.
Breathing apparatus crews were pictured working hard to rescue simulated casualties from the building.
Watch manager Tony Talbot, who led the exercise, said: “Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service have, and will be, staging a number of exercises at Manor Heights, Hadley, Wellington, whilst working with its partner agencies including the emergency planning department of Shropshire Council.
“This is to test the services policies, procedures and response to an incident involving a high rise tower block, following on from the tragic incident at Grenfell Tower, London.
“It has been possible to carry out the exercises with the kind permission of the owner of the building whilst it is empty and under redevelopment.
“We would like to thank the local residents for their understanding and co-operation whilst Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service stage these exercises.
“The exercises are vital to allow both whole time and retained duty system, or on call, firefighters from across the county to practice and develop their skills in dealing with high rise incidents.”
It is the second time that the fire service has used the building, doing similar training at Manor Heights a fortnight ago.
Crews will be using it for further training over the next few months.
Crews from Much Wenlock, Bridgnorth, Craven Arms, Albrighton and Tweedale took part in that particular session.
There were further exercises planned tonight, with more on October 3, 26 and November 14. All exercises will all be held between 5pm and 9pm
Residents will be given leaflets advising about the training.
