FIVE casualties, including a young boy and an injured fireman, were rescued from a smoke-filled Tavistock disco in a 'real-life' training exercise last Thursday evening.
Two engines rushed to the Crown Centre in Russell Street as part of an exercise to give fire-fighters practice in situations as close to those they could expect to face in real life.
Teams of firefighters, fully clad in breathing apparatus, and using ropes in what is termed a 'deep penetration' situation, searched the large room for the DJ and dancers who had become trapped in the dense smoke, flashing lights and loud noise. Others tackled the 'blaze'.
They were able to find 14-year-old Steven Snowden and carry him out. The DJ had to be treated for a broken leg and smoke inhalation. Two other bodies — dummies stuffed with 80kg of iron bars — had to be carried and dragged to safety. One fireman also had to be rescued after he was overcome by fumes.
Tim Smith, who was in charge of the exercise, said: 'It went very well, we achieved our objective of getting the people out in the fastest possible time.'
He said real life exercises like this were extremely valuable because it just wasn't possible to simulate on the station all the conceivable hazards they might face. He added they were very grateful to the Crown and other businesses that allowed them to practice their skills.