VIDEO: Firefighters train for high rise blaze

Firefighters undertaking a training exercise at New England House (Photograph: Eddie Mitchell)

The training day was to practise the service's response to a fire at a commercial high rise building, with the 'fire' having broken out on one of the upper floors.

Firefighters from Preston Circus, Roedean, Hove,Uckfield and Forest Row were involved in the exercise, with fire crews from other parts of the county providing emergency cover.

Assistant director of safer communities Mark Matthews said: “Fortunately a fire of this nature is not a regular occurrence but that’s why it is so important that our crews run events like this. It means crews experience what it would be like to deal with a fire in a large building and also gives us the opportunity to improve our response plans if there was a real emergency.

“It is always worth ensuring you know the evacuation plan and potential escape routes if you work in a high rise building. If you don’t know, ask your managers. There should also be clear signage for fire exits and work places should run fire drills.”