Emergency services will be training at Cargo Fleet high rise

The building, which is due for demolition, will be filled with generated smoke and students from Hartlepool College will act as “casualties” to make it as realistic as possible.

There is no need for the public to be alarmed as there will be no fire.

The training exercise is in partnership with North East Ambulance Service, Cleveland Police and agencies including property owners Thirteen, Middlesbrough Council, British Red Cross and regional fire and rescue services.

It will test procedures and equipment, tackling a high rise fire, evacuating residents, setting up a rescue centre and relocation of those in need of emergency housing.

Dave Turton, Area Manager Emergency Response, Cleveland Fire Brigade said, “It is vital that our crews regularly have the opportunity to test their skills and equipment in realistic situations to ensure we are fully prepared.

“We really appreciate the opportunity to work in partnership with other fire and rescue services and agencies and the support of the local community. Our number one priority is keeping our communities safe and we are proud to have the lowest rate of accidental fires in the home the country and one of the fastest response times to incidents.”

Strategic Head of Emergency Preparedness and Resilience Response for North East Ambulance Service, Simon Swallow, said, “At the scene of a major incident, the safety and welfare of patients and staff is our highest priority.

“Exercising how we work with our colleagues in other emergency services helps to ensure that we learn, improve and prepare for incidents that require effective teamwork.”

Thirteen’s executive director of property services Russell Thompson said: “We take fire safety very seriously, and this is a great opportunity to work in conjunction with Cleveland Fire Brigade and other agencies to test emergency procedures.”

Posters and flyers will be distributed across the area to notify the public and there will also be social media posts.