Dawlish Fire Service test themselves against unique situations

DAWLISH firefighter Byron Woods made a splash with his drill yesterday, organising a unique drill to test the Fire Service’s adaptability to challenging situations. 

Armed with just a location and a few details of the mock-up incidents, the Dawlish Fire Service found themselves needing tackle three different scenarios, having to source water from pumping the river, rather than using water in their tanks. 

The first incident was a boat fire in Cockwood Harbour. Crews used the hard suction hose to draw water from the harbour to use on the ‘fire'. 

At each incident, the pump operator changed, as well as the officer in charge. Byron would also tamper with the pump in some way to simulate a fault that the pump operator had to overcome.

The second incident was in Ashcombe, with reports of a scrap bonfire out of control. The 'Fire' was next to Dawlish Water, so crews pumped from the stream to put it out. At this incident, a rubbish bag was blocking the strainer on the hard suction, so the pump operator had to fault find to find this problem.

The third incident was a hedge fire in Dawlish Water, which was luckily next to the Ford. Crews pumped from the ford to put out the ‘fire'. 

Guinness the Dawlish fire dog in attendance also got an opportunity to paddle.

The Fire Service added: ‘Firefighter Force drove for the whole drill to help with his driving practice. He certainly got used to the Devon lanes on this drill.  

‘Well done Byron, a great drill night.'