HIGHLAND councillors yesterday watched a blaze unfold in a Ross-shire town.
The good news for residents of Invergordon was that members of the Fire Board were taking part in an induction programme, using specialised facilities in the Easter Ross town.
Councillors spent a full day with members of Highlands & Islands Fire & Rescue Service as part of their initiation into what the work entails.
Members began their day at Fire Service HQ in Inverness, before moving on to the Training Centre in Invergordon.
There, they witnessed a demonstration of the intervention capabilities of the operational staff through fire behaviour training exercises.
Members then returned to Fire Service HQ where they took part in a number of workshops.
Andrew Drever, convener of the Fire Board described the day as "interesting and informative". He said: "The demonstrations at the Training Centre in Invergordon provided members with an insight into what our firefighters have to deal with when attending a fire incident and why training is so important.
“The information provided during the induction programme has provided a sound knowledge of the service, particularly for the new members on our Board.”
Deputy chief fire officer Stewart Edgar said: “Both the Service and the Board have made a clear commitment to its Safer Firefighter Programme, and I am particularly pleased that Board members were able to witness the expertise and professionalism of our highly skilled team of training instructors.”
Deputy chief fire officer Mike Holme claimed the programme would "further enhance the knowledge of members and their ability to scrutinise the Service.”
He said: “We will continue to work closely with Board members to help make the Highlands and Islands a safer and better place to live, work and visit.”
