VIVID partnered with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service (H&IOWFRS) to host a live, high-rise fire training exercise at one of its tall tower buildings, giving frontline crews valuable hands-on experience in managing real-life emergencies.
Around 40 fire service personnel – including senior command officers and frontline firefighters – took part in the four-hour drill, supported by four fire engines, an aerial ladder platform and multiple support vehicles.
The exercise simulated a realistic fire scenario, complete with complex evacuation procedures and live coordination between teams.
Each flat in the building was assigned scenario cards outlining specific challenges, such as vulnerable residents or accessibility issues, requiring crews to adapt in real time.
REAL-WORLD CONDITIONS
A temporary evacuation control hub was also set up in the garden area to manage communications and response efforts.
Members of VIVID’s Building and Fire Safety Team worked alongside the fire service throughout the session, sharing expertise and insights to ensure the exercise reflected real-world conditions.
Watch Manager Sally Gould of H&IOWFRS, says: “My senior team are really happy with the opportunity. Exercises like this are incredibly valuable – they give us the chance to put our policies and procedures into practice in a realistic setting, which is something we don’t often get to do.
“We’ve all learnt so much from being on-site and working through the scenario, and it’s helped build confidence across the team.
“It’s also been a great way to strengthen our working relationship with VIVID, and we’re really grateful for the time, expertise and support.”
Tom Robinson, Executive Director of Assets and Sustainability at VIVID, adds: “We’re proud to support Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service and continue working together on future training exercises.
“Building strong partnerships like this helps move towards a safer environment for our customers – and that’s something we’re fully committed to.”
