Leicestershire firefighters use new sewers for confined space training
Last month, firefighters from Hinckley in Leicestershire scrambled through sewers as part of a confined space training exercise.
The emergency responders went down a 1.6m diameter sewer that is under construction, in Leicester Road, Hinckley.
Severn Trent was carrying out a £1.5m sewer improvement project in the town.
The group is expanding the sewer network to increase capacity and so reduce the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall.
James Arkesden, who leads the project, said: “We realised that the new sewers we’re installing would provide the fire and rescue service with the perfect opportunity to carry out a training exercise.
“We worked with them to set up the exercise and had staff on site while it took place.
He added: “We’re always happy to help the emergency services.
“Events like this will help us to develop best practice and allow us to work more closely together in the future.”
Paul Weston is area manager for safer communities at Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service.
He said: “It gave us a real opportunity to take part in some confined space rescue training which we don’t get to do very often.
“It’s vital that we always look to enhance the skillset of our firefighters, preparing them for all incident types.
“Hopefully, we’ll get futher opportunities to work with Severn Trent in the future.”
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