FIREFIGHTERS descended on playing fields in Thornbury last night to practise saving lives as they were tested by a fake fire drill.

The two retained Thornbury fire crews got the chance to try something a bit different and engage in the exercise on the Mundy Playing Fields, which was as close to real life as it gets with three casualties inside the smoke engulfed pavilion.

The smoke, which was in fact dry ice, filled the changing rooms to the point where it was almost impossible to see, with two dummies and one real life casualty being hidden inside.

After it was called in, the crews, who take part in training exercises every Monday at the station, raced to respond, setting up and tackling the situation as they would the real thing, with the session being assessed and feedback being given on how they can improve.

Thornbury police also took part in the exercise, setting up a perimeter and working alongside the crews.

The scene was actually so convincing that a passing police patrol car from Patchway saw the blue lights at the scene and called it in, with a third fire engine arriving at the scene shortly afterwards, eager to take part in the drill.

Thornbury station manager Pat Foley said that he was pleased with how the crews responded, given the change of pace to their usual two-hour weekly drill.

“The good thing with using the pavilion is that we can simulate as close as we can to the real conditions,” he said.

“Our crews have no idea what they are going into and they have to use all their training and practice to make sure everything is done well.”

The session’s organiser, crew manager Dave Mead said that: “the crews achieved what they came here to do,” and that “any and all practice is a worthwhile experience.”

He added: “We really want to thank the Town Council for letting us use the facilities to train and our police beat team for also taking part, it gives us an opportunity to do something a bit different.”

Paul LaRiche, the playing field’s groundsman, said: “It is nice to be able to help our local fire service in being the best they can be by giving them this opportunity to train. The council is always happy to help and it is great to see them in action.”