On Sunday, 15th February, Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue (BLSAR) joined a high-level Multi-Agency Wildfire Exercise.

Multi-Agency Wildfire Exercise involving BLSAR, RBFRS at Greenham Common

The training was hosted by the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS), alongside the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) and the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT).

Specialist Wildfire Assets & Aerial Surveillance

The exercise began with a capabilities overview, highlighting the specialist equipment available for wildfire suppression and rural incident management:

• BLSAR: Demonstrated our DJI Matrice 4T thermal imaging drones, able to provide essential aerial overview of fire fronts and identifying hidden hotspots.
• RBFRS: Showcased the Mercedes-Benz Zetros Water Carrier and High Volume Pumps (HVP) based at Bracknell.
• HIWFRS: Showcased two agile 4x4 Wildfire units based at Rushmoor.

Tabletop Exercise: Greenham Common Scenario

Following the asset demonstration, all agencies participated in a tabletop emergency exercise simulating a major fire incident at Greenham Common. Participants applied their knowledge of these specialist assets to coordinate a multi-layered response in a simulated high-pressure environment.

Strengthening JESIP & Interoperability

This training provided BLSAR volunteers with invaluable experience in JESIP principles (Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Principles). By integrating our UAV (drone) thermal capabilities with statutory Fire and Rescue Services, we improved multi-agency coordination and demonstrated the vital situational awareness that BLSAR offers during large-scale wildfires.