A MANUFACTURER of precision propellers based in Newton Abbot recently played hosted to the town’s firefighters for their latest training night.

Both crews from Newton Abbot Fire Station gathered at Teignbridge Propellers on Monday, December 1 for a mock exercise focused on search and rescue at height, the complex layout of offices easily replicating a typical high-rise building.

The scenario saw multiple people trapped and some sheltering within their flats, with Fire Survival Guidance having been issued by the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service control room.

Crews primarily focused on how to coordinate efficient and systematic rescues of these individuals using a relatively new procedure known as Immediate Building Evacuation (IBE).

Breathing apparatus wearing firefighters sent into ‘smoke logged’ areas proceeded through the structure using joint communications from Fire Control, BA entry control and the IBE operators to locate the casualties.

A spokesperson for Newton Abbot Fire Station said: ‘We would once again like to extend a massive thank you to Teignbridge Propellers for not only allowing us to train at their site, but also for allowing members of their staff to respond as firefighters when they are needed.

‘Employers allowing their colleagues to respond as on-call firefighters really is such a big part of what allows the on-call section of the service to function and without this continuous support from varying employers, the on-call section simply wouldn't exist.

‘So to all those employers, thank you’.