PLANNING for the ‘building collapse’ scenario took six months to ensure the conditions were as life-like as possible.
Exercise ‘Winter Palace’ involved creating a complex series of tunnels in the large basement of the college.
The structure was designed to resemble a series of corridors, bedrooms and communal areas which were barely recognisable due to the extent of the damage.
College volunteers and Kirklees Building Services staff assisted in creating the scenario and acting as casualties.
Brian Robson, of West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “A great deal of time and effort has gone into ensuring exercise Winter Palace is as realistic as possible.
“This is the longest exercise we have ever conducted across two nights and three days.
“We have been given assistance by crews from Merseyside, the North West, London and Tyne and Wear as well as other agencies which also tests how we work together.
“We also need to test our contingency plans for ensuring our 999 service is not affected in the event of a large-scale incident such as this and so far we are pleased with how we have responded.
“It is tough conditions, but they have all put their all into it.”
He also thanked
Kirklees College for the use of their premises and Kirklees Building Services for their support and Marshalls and K Steels for providing materials free of charge.
