FIRE crews from several stations came together for a Friday's decontamination training.

The great and the good from Bovey Tracey, Chagford, Moretonhampstead and Okehampton gathered on July 28 for the DECON training.

The first or initial level of firefighter decontamination uses equipment carried on pumping appliances.

The equipment may range from hose reels to primary shower units.

This level of procedure may suffice at many minor incidents, but there will be some at which full decontamination procedures will be required.

The type of decontamination will be based on several factors: the level and type of personal protective equipment available; the type and quantity of contaminant; the type and availability of decontamination additives; the ability to monitor and detect contamination; the availability of drainage and containment options; the conditions of the weather; the topography of the area and the availability of equipment to conduct the decontamination.