FIREFIGHTERS from Newton Abbot Fire Station put their rescue and firefighting skills to the test during a realistic training exercise at Liverton Football Club on Monday evening.

Both fire appliances from the station were mobilised to the venue following a simulated report of a building fire with people trapped inside.

Upon arrival, crews were informed by exercise organisers that the clubhouse was well alight and that several children and staff members were unaccounted for after a busy football training session.

The incident commander quickly deployed two breathing apparatus teams to enter different areas of the building.

Their objectives were to search the premises, locate and rescue casualties, and tackle the fire where necessary.

To make the scenario as realistic as possible, firefighters were blindfolded to replicate the zero-visibility conditions often encountered in smoke-filled buildings.

Each team entered with a hose reel jet and worked through the buildings.

Meanwhile, crews outside faced an additional challenge.

Organisers advised that the water carried on the fire engines would not be sufficient to extinguish the blaze and that no nearby hydrants were available.

Firefighters responded by deploying a Light Portable Pump to draw water from a nearby stream, creating a continuous supply that could be relayed to the main pumping appliance.

The exercise proved a success, with crews demonstrating effective teamwork and determination throughout.

Despite the challenging conditions, all six casualties were located and rescued in less than 25 minutes, highlighting the firefighters’ ability to operate efficiently in demanding and potentially life-threatening situations.

A spokesperson for Newton Abbot Fire Station said: ‘We would like to extend a massive thank you to Liverton United FC for allowing us to train our firefighters at your site.

‘It is off site training opportunities like these that allow our firefighters to keep their skills sharp and prepared for when the real fires occur’,