South Wales fire service enhances high-rise safety training
Iain Hoey
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South Wales forms full-time task force for high-rise operations
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service has launched a full-time High-Rise Task Force to address recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and Thematic Reviews.
According to the service, the team was formed to improve operational readiness, focusing on evacuation planning, training delivery and building familiarisation.
Area Manager Mike Wyatt, who leads the task force, said: “The task force has been put together to ensure we meet our high-rise recommendation targets, but it goes much further than that.”
High-rise training rolled out across crews
The fire service reported that 29 training sessions were delivered last year at Brecknock House, a high-rise venue loaned by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.
The programme includes workshop-style training on evacuation, high-rise operations, building failure and firefighting systems, and is being delivered to all frontline and control room staff.
The service stated that phase one of the training programme has been completed for all wholetime crews and tactical managers.
Phase two began in April 2025 and focuses on on-call crews, covering structural failure, fire spread behaviour and incident management in tower blocks.
Virtual and hands-on training combined
The service reported that 360-degree virtual simulations are being used to enhance learning, allowing trainers to alter high-rise emergency scenarios in real time.
These immersive exercises are being combined with on-site training to ensure operational realism, enabling crews to test decision-making skills in high-pressure environments.
Station-based workshops on construction features, evacuation methods and equipment usage are being expanded as part of continued professional development.
High-rise familiarisation now part of recruit training
New firefighter recruits are also undergoing high-rise training during their initial 14-week course.
According to the service, recruits receive evacuation instruction and complete simulations involving smoke and dummy residents in a controlled high-rise environment.
Station Manager Kieran Williams said: “It’s a really good opportunity for the new recruits to have an insight into high-rise firefighting.”
Recruit Adrienne Foster added: “With the increase in high-rise buildings, especially in city centres, it’s really important that every recruit knows what to do.”
Commissioner Kirsty Williams, CBE, said: “It’s been really impressive to see the training.”
She added: “It’s a highly complex situation that high-rise presents for us, and we know the devastating consequences for our staff and the public if we don’t get it right.”
Task force engages with government on high-rise policy
The service confirmed that two of the task force’s trainers, Station Managers Kieran Williams and Jason Lamport, are members of the National Fire Chiefs Council – Fires in Tall Buildings Group.
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service stated that these members are working with the Welsh Government to inform future policy and legislative developments.
SM Jason Lamport said: “The world of high-rise firefighting is changing as quickly as the buildings around us.”
He added: “It is also vital we work alongside our Business Fire Safety and Community Safety colleagues to build a single strategic plan for our landlords and residents.”
South Wales fire service enhances high-rise safety training: Summary
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service has formed a full-time High-Rise Task Force.
The team was created in response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and Thematic Reviews.
Training has been delivered to wholetime crews and is expanding to on-call teams.
Brecknock House is being used as a training venue through an arrangement with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.
The programme includes evacuation techniques, structural risk, and operational tactics.
Virtual simulations and in-person sessions are being used in combination.
Recruits now receive high-rise training during their initial 14-week course.
Members of the task force are part of a national advisory group on tall buildings.
The service is in discussions with the Welsh Government on future policy.
Training content is being continually updated and expanded.
Quotes from senior personnel highlight the service’s current focus on preparedness.
No endorsement language is used in describing the initiative or its impact.