Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service firefighters can now use smoke hoods, similar to gas masks, to help them rescue people trapped in fires, particularly in high-rise buildings.
The hoods, which allow trapped people to breathe for 15 minutes, can be worn over their heads while firefighters lead them to safety through a smoke-filled environment if all other routes are unavailable.
They would be particularly useful in a high-rise building due to the potentially complex nature of these rescues.
The Government has given NFRS nearly £100,750 to buy smoke hoods and other equipment designed specifically for tackling fires in high-rise buildings, following the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 1 report.
Other equipment to be brought into use over the next few months includes smoke curtains to stop the spread of smoke to an escape route.
Smoke hoods were successfully used in Bournemouth recently when two of the 11 people rescued from a three-storey block of flats were led to safety while wearing the hoods. More details about this are available on Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service’s website at https://www.dwfire.org.uk/news/new-fire-escape-hoods-now-in-use/.
Group Manager Chris Emmott said: “The smoke hoods have already proved their worth in Bournemouth and could save many lives in Nottinghamshire in future. The purchase of equipment for tackling fires in high-rise buildings is just one of many ways we are meeting the recommendations of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 1 report.”
• Pictures: Emergency services attend apartment block fire in Nottingham – avoid area
