Fire service use new Hightown homes for training exercise

08.04.2009

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service recently teamed up with Hightown Praetorian and Churches Housing Association (Hightown) to allow firefighters to train in a new building whilst still under construction.

Hightown and the developer, Linden Homes, allowed crews from St Albans, Potters Bar and Borehamwood to use Ellis House in Charrington Place, off Victoria Street, St Albans, for a simulated training exercise today (April 6th).

Once completed Ellis House, and the adjacent Davy House, will provide 107 new one and two bed affordable homes, as well as a doctor’s surgery and a mix of retail units. The developer offered the building whilst still under construction to the fire service for this essential training.

A fire was simulated in the partially constructed building using smoke machines. The scenario was that children had been seen playing on the site and could be trapped inside. Approximately 25 firefighters from the three stations took part in the exercise that tested both their practical fire craft and investigation skills.

Chief Fire Officer Roy Wilsher said: “This type of realistic training is invaluable to the fire service and we are grateful to Hightown and Linden Homes for the opportunity to use the site.

“Constant training is imperative in such high risk operations so it was fantastic for our crews to practice in an unfamiliar location. This will help immensely in their overall training programme.”
Emma Crump, Communications Manager for Hightown said: “As a regional housing association, Hightown are committed to working in partnership with the local community. We were happy to help the local fire crews build on their experience and training by allowing them to use Ellis House as part of a training exercise.”

All of the new apartments in Davy House will be fitted with smoke alarms - make sure you have one, that it is working and has been tested. For a free Home Fire safety check and fire alarm ring 0800 587 3347 or go online at www.hertsdirect.ogr/fire.

Once completed at the end of the summer, the new one and two bed homes will provide much needed affordable housing. 54 homes will be let to residents nominated by St Albans and District Council. Ten apartments will be let to Key Workers at intermediate rents, to help local public service employers such as schools, hospitals, the police and fire services to recruit people locally. 25 apartments will be made available to part-buy and part-rent through shared ownership with Hightown.

For more information on Hightown’s new shared ownership apartments at Charrington Place please call Hightown Homes on 01442 292381.

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