A NUMBER of fire engines were seen in a north Herefordshire village on Sunday (September 24).

However, locals did not have to worry as they were there for a vital fire exercise.

Up to seven fire appliances were used for the training in Brampton Bryan, deploying from fire stations right across the area including Leintwardine, Kingsland, Ewyas Harold, Kington, and Fownhope. The welfare vehicle from Tenbury Wells and cross-border support from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service were also used.

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Volunteers were also used to act as members of the public affected by an incident, providing firefighters with realistic opportunities to rescue people and provide emergency first aid in a pressurised situation.

Watch Commander Marc Mercer, from HWFRS’s West District, the exercise controller, said: “This was an invaluable opportunity to test out and improve our fire and rescue procedures when working with colleagues from other fire and rescue services.

“HWFRS is grateful for the support of the landowner and estate team for the use of the property and being so engaging with the planning.

Hereford Times: Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service organise a training exercise in Brampton BryanHereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service organise a training exercise in Brampton Bryan (Image: Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service)

“We have a number of Hereford and Ludlow college students that are aspiring to join the public service that interacted with us on the day, be it as casualties or following our commanders to have an insight of the pressures and decision-making involved during an incident.

“Careful planning means that our emergency fire and rescue response capabilities remained at normal levels throughout the day for the safety of the area and elsewhere in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, and we notified local residents of the exercise.

“We’ve received total support from the local community to date and I’d like to thank them for their patience while we undertook this vital training.”