**Fire Service Training Exercise at Historic Kidwelly Building**
In a bid to prepare its crew members for emergency situations dealing with complex derelict buildings, the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has announced a training exercise that will take place at Capel Sul in Kidwelly on Sunday, February 2nd. The exercise, named ‘Holy Smoke,’ will run from 9 am to 3.30 pm, where synthetic smoke will be utilised to make the training scenario as realistic as possible.
The fire service has advised residents that smoke may be seen emerging from the building during the exercise, potentially resembling a real fire. However, they have assured the public that there is no cause for alarm if smoke, emergency vehicles, and personnel are spotted in the area. This training exercise aims to test crew members’ responses to various incidents, including snatch rescues and entrapment rescues.
Watch manager Emyr Davies highlighted the importance of using such buildings for training, providing a lifelike environment for crews to effectively handle similar incidents in the future. The fire service expressed gratitude to Lee Hipkiss, director of Reflect Education, for allowing the use of the building and supporting the training of their staff during emergency calls.
The exercise at Capel Sul will enable crew members to practice utilising breathing apparatus sets and incident command procedures, ensuring they are well-prepared for challenging scenarios in real-life emergency situations. By engaging in exercises like ‘Holy Smoke,’ the fire service is demonstrating its commitment to maintaining a high level of readiness and expertise among its team members.
Residents in the Kidwelly area are encouraged to stay informed about the training exercise and its purpose. The use of synthetic smoke during the exercise is a standard practice to enhance the realism of the training scenario, offering crew members valuable experience in navigating challenging environments and executing crucial rescue operations.
As part of its ongoing efforts to ensure public safety, the fire service aims to minimise any potential concerns that may arise from observing smoke and emergency vehicles in the vicinity of Capel Sul. By providing advanced notice and clarification regarding the training exercise, the service aims to alleviate any undue worries among residents and passersby during the event.
Residents and bystanders are encouraged to support the fire service’s training efforts as they work tirelessly to enhance their skills and readiness to respond to emergencies effectively. Training exercises such as ‘Holy Smoke’ play a vital role in equipping firefighters with the necessary expertise and experience to handle various challenging situations with precision and professionalism.
Overall, the upcoming training exercise at Capel Sul in Kidwelly serves as a proactive measure by the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service to ensure the preparedness and effectiveness of its crew members in safeguarding the community and responding to emergencies promptly and efficiently.