Fire service plea for empty properties to train in

Jersey Fire and Rescue Service (JFRS) is looking for empty properties on the island where it can practice firefighting techniques.

The service said it wanted to train in empty domestic or commercial properties periodically to keep the training as "realistic as possible".

While the fire service had a designated "hot house" for training purposes, it said the site was used for close quarters training and did not represent the majority of its call outs.

A JFRS spokesperson said training in environments the firefighters were unfamiliar with improved their search techniques and prepared them for emergencies.

JFRS said it had been regularly training in various property development sites or hotels during their off season but needed new locations for the summer months.

"By training in the same venue it becomes muscle memory as opposed to utilising effective search techniques," it said.

"If someone has an empty property and they would be willing to allow the service to use it, we would appreciate that assistance.

The JFRS added that the smoke used for the training was cosmetic and did not leave any lasting damage to properties.

Anyone with an empty property who was willing to assist JFRS was asked to contact the service.

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