Firefighters are red-hot at their jobs

AN OLDHAM councillor has spoken of his “great admiration” for the borough’s firefighters after being put through his paces during an intense training session.

Councillor Derek Heffernan, who is also spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority, donned a firefighter suit and breathing apparatus and was plunged into what is known as “the smoke room”.

He said: “We went in the dark room and it was just pitch black, we only had one tiny head torch to guide us.

“It’s worrying and claustrophobic even though you know you are completely safe.

“There was no fire and the roof wasn’t going to collapse on me but it still felt strange as I felt my way down the walls to get out.

“My admiration for them is even higher now.

“The suit alone is hot, and experiencing it first hand just boosts your feeling to what a brilliantly brave job these people do day in, day out.”

He joined councillors from across Greater Manchester at a specialist training centre in the city centre to witness the dramatic and challenging situations officers can come up against.

The group saw firefighters in action as they brushed up on their skills, while councillors themselves also got to handle heavy specialist equipment used for cutting casualties from collisions.