Fire Crews Test Skills in Cambridge High‑Rise Exercise

Fire Crews Test Skills in Cambridge High‑Rise Exercise

A fire breaking out at home is frightening enough, but for those living in tall buildings, the risks and challenges are far greater. That’s why a major training exercise held recently in Cambridge offered valuable reassurance about the readiness of our emergency services.

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Fire Crews Test Skills in Cambridge High‑Rise Exercise

On Thursday, March 26, firefighters from Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, and Essex came together at Hanover Court in Cambridge to test their response to a high‑rise fire. They were joined by colleagues from the police, ambulance service, and Cambridge City Council, creating a full multi‑agency environment.

The scenario simulated a rapidly developing fire inside a residential block of flats, including a small hazardous materials element. The fire spread affected several flats, and crews were tasked with rescuing residents in difficulty. Multiple casualties were presented with conditions ranging from smoke inhalation and burns to trauma injuries, providing a realistic test of coordination, communication, and patient management under pressure.

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service said:

“We would like to thank everyone involved in planning, supporting, and delivering the exercise. The level of engagement and professionalism shown throughout was excellent.
The learning gathered from the exercise will now be reviewed and used to inform training, operational procedures, and future exercises across the service.”

This is the first in a series of large‑scale training exercises planned across the county during 2026, all aimed at strengthening preparedness for complex incidents in high‑rise buildings.

Source: Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service