Fire crews from Saltash and Plymouth test Tamar Bridge emergency response

FIRE crews from Saltash and Plymouth joined forces on the Tamar Bridge to tackle a simulated electric car fire in a major emergency exercise.

The dramatic training operation took place on Tuesday evening, with crews responding to a planned scenario involving an electric vehicle catching fire on the busy crossing.

The exercise lasted just under two hours and involved Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service crews based in Saltash and Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service crews based in Plymouth.

Tamar Crossings, National Highways and other emergency service partners also took part in the operation.

The exercise was designed to test how the different agencies would respond to a potentially serious incident on the bridge and how effectively they could work together.

The Tamar Bridge is one of the region’s most important transport links, carrying thousands of vehicles between Cornwall and Devon every day.

An incident involving an electric vehicle presents particular challenges for emergency services, requiring crews to put their specialist training and procedures into practice.

By staging the scenario on the bridge itself, the emergency services were able to test their response in the same environment in which they could be called upon to deal with a real incident.

The exercise also allowed the agencies to assess communications, co-ordination and emergency procedures while working around the bridge’s unique layout and operational restrictions.

The bridge remained open during the training, although temporary traffic management measures were used and motorists could see emergency vehicles and crews operating around the crossing.

Tamar Bridge manager Coral Jonas said: “Exercises such as this are an important part of ensuring we remain prepared to respond effectively should an incident occur on the bridge network.

“By working together with our partners in a realistic setting, we can test our procedures, strengthen coordination and continue to prioritise the safety of everyone who uses the Tamar Bridge.”