Personnel from Burford Fire Station participated in a coordinated training operation alongside crews from Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service along with units from Witney and Carterton stations during July.

The joint activity was conducted at the boarding accommodation within Burford School and centred on evaluating breathing apparatus protocols and rescue techniques within an environment saturated with simulated smoke.

A representative from Burford Fire Station explained that recent months had seen considerable demand on the station’s resources with responses across Oxfordshire, but July provided an opportunity to join forces with Gloucestershire colleagues at the Burford boarding house facility.

Eight two-person teams equipped with breathing apparatus entered the smoke-filled structure to conduct search and clearance operations, supported by pupils from the boarding house who performed their roles as role players convincingly.

Following the conclusion of the practical exercise, firefighters and students participated in a volleyball competition.

Although the emergency services personnel made an encouraging start, the boarding house students ultimately secured victory in the match.