FIREFIGHTERS across the area rushed to the Gooch and Housego premises on the outskirts of Ilminster ... but there was no need for panic as it was just an exercise by the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.

Officers from South Somerset, East Devon and the Mendips met at the site in Dowlish Ford to practise their skills.

A planned scenario saw a large fire in part of the factory where people were trapped.

Firefighters from Ilminster, Chard, Crewkerne, Martock, Yeovil, Somerton, Street and Axminster were able to practise, under very realistic conditions, searching in smoke by using breathing apparatus to rescue casualties.

Other firefighters provided water from the nearby pond to an aerial ladder platform recently brought into service at Yeovil.

Group Commander Paul Cregan, the officer responsible for the area covering the fire stations in South Somer-set, said: “We need to undertake large-scale exercises such as these to ensure that our skills are of the highest order to guarantee firefighter safety at incidents.

“The firefighters performed in a highly professional and skilled way, and I’m confident in their abilities to safely deal with and quickly resolve any incidents in our communities.”

“We’re fortunate large fires in the workplace and home are few and far between.”