Empty Dingwall houses help Highland firefighters to hone skills ahead of demolition
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FIREFIGHTERS have been able to brush up on vital lifesaving skills thanks to vacant council housing in a Ross community.
Vacant houses on Meiklefield Road are due for demolition in June, ahead of plans to build modern replacements.
But in the meantime those buildings have continued to serve their community after they were used for special training evenings for the Dingwall retained crews.
Councillor Angela MacLean and Housing Officer Faye Dyer were on site to observe how the training is delivered and to better understand how firefighters use their breathing apparatus when extinguishing fires.
The exercise was also used to gain insights into the challenges faced by firefighters when tackling a house fire – useful front-line information which it is hoped will help when designing new houses for council rent.
Councillor Angela MacLean said: “It was good to see the properties be of use to the community one last time by allowing Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) colleagues to train in a realistic environment to everyone’s benefit.”
Derek Wilson, SFRS Local Senior Officer for Highland, said: “This type of training, using different search and rescue scenarios within derelict buildings, is essential in helping our staff prepare for actual events within our communities.
“The exercise at Dingwall was of great value in maintaining and developing firefighting skills and we are grateful to have been given the opportunity.”
Earlier this month the council unveiled plans to regenerate parts of the Meiklefield area in Dingwall. Work will include the demolition of 12 flats to make room for 14 new flats and houses. The new homes are intended to be the first phase of a project aimed at improving housing throughout the wider Meiklefield area.
The council’s housing team led by Faye Dyer are keeping the local community updated on the project. Anyone looking to get further information can Faye either by phone 01349 886602, by emailing meiklefield.matters@highland.gov.uk or by using the post box at the Dingwall Service Point.
If you are interested in becoming a retained firefighter to protect your community visit www.firescotland.gov.uk/rds-(1).aspx.
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