Multi-agency live exercise planned to test emergency responders

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service will be leading a major live exercise at AstraZeneca’s facility in Macclesfield to practise and test a joint response to a large fire.

Exercise Astra Flame, which takes place between 10:00 and 14:00 on Thursday 8th May, involves a currently unused premises on the manufacturing facility.

Normal operations at AstraZeneca will be unaffected during the exercise, but the chance to use the building before it is dismantled provides a great opportunity for firefighters and other agencies to test their response plans to protect a site of significant importance to the local area and wider economy.

As well as firefighters, the exercise will involve emergency services such as Cheshire Police and North West Ambulance Service, as well as other responders and AstraZeneca staff themselves.

People in living in Macclesfield and around the AstraZeneca site will see several fire engines and other emergency vehicles in the vicinity on 8th May, but should not be alarmed as these are taking part in the exercise.

Alex Waller, Chief Fire Officer of Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, explained the reason for the exercise:

“The fact that incidents such as this are rare in real life means it is vitally important that our firefighters and officers have the skills to respond if they ever need to.

“This scenario gives us the opportunity to test our plans for working alongside our partners when dealing with a fire, and ensures we are fully prepared to respond to protect an important part of our local economy in the highly unlikely event of an emergency.”