FIRE crews from four stations took part in a rather usual exercise on June 30 - in Crediton Parish Church.

The crews, from Crediton, Okehampton, North Tawton and Middlemoor in Exeter conducted an event using breathing apparatus to perform a simulated casualty sweep and rescue.

Firefighters in breathing apparatus about to enter Crediton Parish Church during the exercise. AQ 4556
Firefighters in breathing apparatus about to enter Crediton Parish Church during the exercise. AQ 4556 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
A detailed debrief was held following the exercise. AQ 4570
A detailed debrief was held following the exercise. AQ 4570 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

They also took part in a salvage rescue plan exercise before firefighters visited the ringing chamber and were given a tour of part of the church roof.

Neil Hargreaves, Station Manger at Crediton Fire Station, said: “We have been taking part in a multi-pump exercise by kind permission of Crediton Parish Church.

Firefighters prepare to visit the ringing chamber and tour part of the church roof. AQ 4575
Firefighters prepare to visit the ringing chamber and tour part of the church roof. AQ 4575 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Firefighters reverse down a staircase during a simulated casualty rescue in Crediton Parish Church. AQ 4545/4548
Firefighters reverse down a staircase during a simulated casualty rescue in Crediton Parish Church. AQ 4545/4548 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

“It has included a breathing apparatus search and rescue, familiarisation of the building and heritage recovery exercise.”

Neil said that the exercise went well, senior firefighters watching and giving feedback afterwards.

Fire appliances alongside the churchyard at Crediton Parish Church. AQ 4537
Fire appliances alongside the churchyard at Crediton Parish Church. AQ 4537 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)