Ahead of their demolition, three former tower blocks will support specialist high-rise fire safety training, helping Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) prepare crews for complex emergency incidents.
As part of the final decant of Lambton, Londonderry and Lumley Towers (3Ls), the buildings will be used over the coming months to help firefighters develop and test new procedures for tackling fires in tall buildings.
The initiative not only allows the fire service to gain valuable experience in realistic high-rise environments, but also ensures the former buildings continue to provide community value ahead of their demolition. The training will further strengthen Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service's (TWFRS) ability to respond to incidents in high-rise residential buildings, including those managed by Gentoo across Sunderland.
The training will allow TWFRS to validate its new high-rise firefighting procedures in realistic conditions using both cosmetic and cold smoke-filled environments. The exercises will help enhance operational preparedness and strengthen firefighters' skills in responding to incidents in high-rise residential buildings.
All TWFRS operational firefighters are expected to complete the training programme, which will cover a range of critical firefighting and rescue activities, including: realistic ventilation training, stairwell protection and evacuation and search strategies.
The exercises will also support incident command assessments, rescue and evacuation drills, the development of breathing apparatus competence, and improved interoperability across emergency response teams.
Leon Stephenson, Head of Fire and Building Safety at Gentoo, said:
"Safety is our highest priority, and we're pleased to be able to support Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service with this important training opportunity.
"These buildings provide a unique environment for firefighters to train in realistic high-rise conditions before the towers are demolished. The exercises will help crews build on their skills, strengthen emergency response procedures and ultimately support the safety of people living in high-rise homes across the region.
"By giving firefighters the opportunity to train in a real high-rise environment, we're helping to ensure they are even better equipped to respond effectively should an incident occur in any of our high-rise residential buildings. Ultimately, this partnership helps improve safety for our customers, colleagues and communities.”
Graeme Taylor, Station Manager for Operations at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said:
"These exercises provide a valuable opportunity for our firefighters to train in a realistic high-rise environment and explore new procedures under carefully controlled conditions.
“Working in partnership with Gentoo allows us to test, evaluate and refine our approach to complex incidents, helping to ensure our crews are prepared to respond effectively when it matters most.
“Training opportunities such as these support our commitment to learning, innovation and keeping our communities and firefighters safe.”
The training forms part of the final phase of activity at the former 3Ls buildings and will provide valuable learning opportunities for firefighters.
