FIREFIGHTERS in Newton Abbot recently underwent additional training focusing on decontamination.

The session, which was primarily aimed at the Newton Abbot Fire Station’s newer members, utilised the station’s inflatable decontamination shower and was ‘a perfect opportunity for them to learn and develop their skills’, a spokesperson for the station said.

Crews familiarised themselves with the structure and associated equipment.

In addition to the typical firefighting functions, Newton Abbot Fire Station also specialises in environmental protection, the localities Environmental Protection Unit (EPU) being based at the station.

A spokesperson for the station said: ‘Decontamination is an important part of our role and is one of the ways in which we aim to keep ourselves safe when attending an incident that may involve harmful or even fatal chemicals or substances.

‘It is not just fires we attend and we have a variety of equipment for our many roles’.