Dorset firefighters climb disconnected Winterbourne Abbas pylon
They've been carrying out rescue drills on the structure
A disconnected electricity pylon in Winterbourne Abbas has been used to help Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue teams to get a bit of extra training.
It's the first time the crews have been able to carry out rescue drills at height on the structure, now that the cables have been replaced with underground wiring.
National Grid allowed the firefighters to have a go on the pylon before it's taken down.
Paul Hamnett, Senior Project Manager for National Grid, said:
“This project aims to enhance the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and we’re doing that not just through removing 22 pylons, but also by offering opportunities that deliver additional benefits for the local community. Chances to carry out rescue drills like this on 45m high pylons are rare for the local Fire and Rescue teams but they give the crews training that could be vital in an emergency so we were delighted to help.”
John Wickham, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue said:
“The technical climbing and procedural knowledge input by Elliot and the rest of the team was invaluable. We’ve found the sessions to be so useful that we’re organising another one later in the month and before all 22 pylons come down so that more of the Fire and Rescue team can benefit from this opportunity.”