Fire crew race to Brackendale for training
Magenta Living enabled MFRS to undertake vital training utilising an empty flat on the 12th floor in this popular block. As a socially responsible landlord, Magenta Living allowed MFRS access to Brackendale in order to allow the crew time to familiarise themselves with the layout and provide a realistic setting and test plans should an emergency situation occur.
All high rise buildings owned by Magenta Living are fitted with secure ‘GERDA’ boxes, which are designed specifically for the use of MFRS and contain keys, a building plan and list of vulnerable residents.
MFRS’s training involved; gaining access to the building, setting up standpipes from the fire hydrants outside the building, gaining control of the lifts via the dedicated ‘Fire Select’ key, setting up a bridgehead (safe position) to fight a fire from, setting up hoses from the dry riser, and then using breathing apparatus in a mock search and rescue operation.
By simulating a real life situation, MFRS had the opportunity to look at procedures that would work best to fight a fire at Brackendale. Chris Hughes, Watch Manager from Upton Fire Station says: “Planning for high rise incidents is extremely important because of the risks and challenges associated with them. We were at Brackendale to do an important job but now feel even better equipped to deal with an emergency at this site if the worst should happen.”
This exercise further strengthens Magenta Living’s relationship with MFRS, who already work closely together on fire prevention operations across Wirral. Denny Beacham HSE Manager at Magenta Living says: “Magenta Living continues to work in partnership with MFRS to promote and improve fire safety in our homes. By giving access to our tallest properties we can ensure a faster response in the event of an actual emergency whilst reducing the risk of harm to our residents and attending fire crews.”
This is hopefully the first of many training exercises planned for this year, where fire crews will be visiting other Magenta Living communities to offer fire safety advice as well as testing action plans if an emergency response is needed.