Bayside Apartments: This is why firefighters, ‘dummy casualties’ and smoke may be seen at Worthing block

The apartment block in Brighton Road will be the setting of a ‘live operational training scenario’ between 7pm and 10pm, according to a West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service spokesman.

The spokesman said: “Residents may see a large fire service presence around Bayside Apartments on Brighton Road in Worthing this evening, but they should not be alarmed as firefighters are taking part in a live operational training scenario.

“Officers have been working closely with the developer over the past couple of weeks to develop the scenario so that it provides firefighters with a realistic training exercise that will not only help protect future residents in the event of an emergency incident, but also the wider public.

“There is no cause for concern for members of the public, but we would urge residents to avoid the area to allow fire service staff to work safely.”

Leaflets from the service were distributed to neighbouring properties warning residents may see dummy casualties and smoke billowing from the building in order to make the event ‘as realistic as possible’.

A drone may also be flying overhead to capture events.

The Herald understands many of the firefighters involved in the exercise had not been informed it would be a drill beforehand, in order to preserve the realism.