Training Exercise Conducted At Victoria Centre Flats

Yesterday (Monday 15 September), Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service carried out a training exercise at the flats directly above the Victoria Centre, designed to test the Service’s procedures in a complex high-rise environment.

Firefighters from London Road, Carlton, West Bridgford, and Stapleford fire stations took part in Exercise ‘Apex’, along with colleagues from Ilkeston Fire Station, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The scenario began with crews being called to a reported flat fire in the city centre. On arrival, they were told that one person was trapped on the 19th floor.

Normally, fire crews would make use of a wet riser during a high-rise incident – a permanent, vertical, water-filled pipe system. However, for the purposes of this exercise, the riser was considered out of action. Instead, crews were required to run multiple hoses up to the 19th floor to extinguish the fire.

The fire was located in the lift motor room, with one person reported trapped. Firefighters successfully rescued the casualty and extinguished the fire in a timely manner.

Following the practical element, all crews took part in a debrief to reflect on the exercise and identify potential learning.

Station Manager Brendan Woodhouse was the Officer in Charge at the exercise. He said: “High-rise incidents present some of the most challenging situations we can ever face as firefighters. By training in real buildings, like the Victoria Centre flats, we can test our procedures in realistic conditions, making sure we are prepared for any eventuality. 

“Exercises like this are vital in keeping both our communities and our staff safe.”

Councillor Jay Hayes, Nottingham City Council's Executive Member for Housing and Planning, said: “We’re pleased to have worked with Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service for an exercise like this. 

“It is important that emergency service personnel can familiarise themselves with our buildings and practice responding to complex scenarios. 

“This kind of collaborative working helps us reassure residents, showing that a clear plan is in place should the worst ever happen.”