Demolition company helps in urban rescue initiative.
Specialist search and rescue teams have teamed up with demolition company Windmill Group to deconstruct a drill tower at a Manchester fire station as part of a unique training exercise.
Members of the Urban Search and Rescue Team (USAR) – who are more used to attending natural disasters across the world and searching collapsed buildings – have already demolished large parts of the structure at Philip’s Park Community Fire Station.
The work is part of a training operation named Exercise Pisa which is continuing this week and involves USAR members from Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, Merseyside and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Services.
Teams spent two days onsite last week using large drills, large concrete breakers and hot-cutting equipment to demolish the top section of the structure – overseen on site by the demolition company Windmill Group (UK) Ltd.
The 16-metre high drill tower – which is located in the station yard and used by crews to train – has to be demolished as it is no longer fit for purpose. It also has a slight lean, a fact that earned the exercise the nickname Pisa. But rather than just knock down the structure, a USAR member from the station suggested it be used for training for team members at GMFRS and neighbouring services.
Windmill Group (UK) Ltd decided to assist with the project so they can compare equipment and techniques and – more importantly – to ensure that the teams are safe.
Read more here.
