EditorFire crews scale 32-metre tower in dramatic rescue drill at Tata Steel Port Talbot
Crews from Port Talbot, Pontardawe and Morriston take part
The multi-agency drill, held on Tuesday 20 January, saw crews from Port Talbot, Pontardawe and Morriston Fire Stations team up with the Welsh Ambulance Service’s Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) for a complex “Work from Height” scenario.
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) said the exercise was designed to sharpen the team’s ability to carry out technical rescues from extreme heights — and to test Tata Steel’s own emergency protocols in a live industrial setting.
Firefighters and paramedics coordinate during multi-agency rescue training at Tata Steel.Emergency teams prepare equipment in front of cooling towers at Tata Steel Port Talbot.Casualties lowered from tower in full technical rescue setup
Crews worked together to safely recover two simulated casualties from the top of a 32-metre water tower, using ropes, stretchers and confined-space rescue techniques.
The operation involved line-rescue specialists from the Fire Service working in tandem with HART paramedics, who provided medical support and coordination throughout the drill.
Fire truck and crews from Central and West Wales prepare for rescue drill at Tata Steel Port Talbot.Rescue crews secure a stretcher in a confined space during technical training at Tata Steel.Rescue stretcher suspended near industrial pipework during confined-space training at Tata Steel.Drone footage helps emergency teams monitor the rescue operation at Tata Steel Port Talbot.Emergency crews lower a stretcher inside a 32-metre tower during a simulated rescue at Tata Steel.Firefighter ascends internal staircase during height-rescue training at Tata Steel’s Port Talbot site.“A huge success” — Watch Manager praises teamwork
Watch Manager Christopher Doyle said the exercise was “a huge success” and praised the collaboration between fire crews, ambulance teams and Tata Steel staff.
“All attendees worked hard to test procedures in a realistic environment, providing a platform for learning opportunities,” he said. “It was great to work in collaboration with Welsh HART and Tata Steel — thank you to everyone that attended.”
Realistic setting, valuable lessons
MAWWFRS said the exercise gave crews a rare chance to rehearse high-risk rescue procedures in a real industrial environment, helping to build confidence and refine protocols for future incidents.
Tata Steel also thanked emergency teams for their professionalism and said the drill had helped strengthen site safety and response planning.
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