Release date: 30 April 2026
Firefighters will soon complete a live training exercise in Chichester’s former House of Fraser building to strengthen their life-saving search and rescue skills.
On Monday 11 May residents may see a large emergency service presence in the area and smoke issuing from the former department store as crews simulate a fire with one casualty trapped inside.
Four fire engines and several officers will be in the area from 7pm until 10pm. Tower Street will be closed for the duration of the exercise.
Anton Mezzone, Station Manager at Chichester Fire Station, said: “This training exercise will provide our crews with an opportunity to test their skills in a high-pressure scenario without the real-life stakes.
“Our firefighters carry out regular training at our fire stations and training centre to ensure they are as resilient and ready as can be. However, rarely do we get opportunities to carry out extensive training exercises in such prominent locations, and we are extremely fortunate to have the chance to carry out our exercise in this Grade II listed building.”
Throughout the exercise firefighters will immerse themselves in the training scenario and work together to resolve the mock incident. The aim is to test the policies and firefighting techniques that are currently in place for incidents of this type.
As the exercise is taking place inside the premises, on this occasion we are unable to facilitate viewing points for the public to watch.
