A team of US firefighters will be visiting the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service tomorrow (Thursday) to learn specialised tactics used in water and mud rescues.
The group of 5, from Oregon, will also look at other parts of the island’s work to see if any strategies could be employed in their home fire services.
The visit is part of a 12-day trip that will include studying ground-breaking techniques used by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service.
The crew have had the chance to share skills and take part in live fire training, trial ultra-high pressure lances, compare breathing apparatus, study new search methods and look at different means of ventilation.
This is the first time the firefighters from Oregon have come to Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and it is hoped this will strengthen an ongoing relationship in which the services can share expertise and develop new skills.
Chief fire officer Dave Curry said:
“Initiatives such as this form an essential part in making sure that you provide the best service you can, by learning from experts in their field.
“We learnt so much about dealing with major incidents such as wildfires on our visit to Oregon and it is great to return the favour and show them techniques that we employ here”.
Article continues below this advertisement “Whilst we were in Oregon, we found ourselves on the front line, after completing training, when we were assigned to help join 660 firefighters who were battling a massive blaze at Canyon Creek.
“Wildfire and community experience we gained like that can only benefit the service we provide on the Island.”
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight group formed part of a team that battled the 75,000-acre wildfire – the largest burning in the country at the time, which had already destroyed several properties.
The American’s trip to the UK started on Monday 6th June and will end on Friday.
