TRAINING exercises for the fire service took place in Maldon.

Essex Fire Service, supported by Maldon District Council, held te evacuation training exercise.

Fire crews and other personnel from Tollesbury, Burnham and Maldon fire stations, attended the exercise in Hythe Quay.

They took part in a simulated fire with multiple casualties on board a barge moored alongside the quay.

Station Manager Pete Neal said: “Exercises like this form an important part of our training, providing a great opportunity for our crews to test their skills and operational procedures against local risks, while working alongside other emergency services and partner agencies who would be present if this were a real incident.

“The exercise also reinforced the importance of Boat Fire Safety Week, which raises awareness for the boating community to ensure they have an escape plan, working smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm fitted.”

Although the exercise went smoothly, it highlighted how important it is to practice evacuations as they provide valuable experience for the fire crews.

It also demonstrates how important it is for communities, in this instance the barge community, to have an emergency plan.

Penny Channer, chairman of Maldon District Council’s planning and licensing committee, said: “The council has a well-rehearsed emergency plan, but it is important the wider community are prepared and aware of what to do in an emergency should this ever be necessary.

“We were pleased to have supported our fire and rescue service with this training exercise to protect the maritime community.”

Boat Fire Safety Week was from May 28 to June 3 and involved the Royal Yachting Association and firefighters in the UK doing training and informing the public on boat fire safety tips.

The training exercise took place on May 29.