Caldey Island was the setting for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s recently conducted training day for volunteer firefighters.

The volunteer force, which serves the island, received training on the latest appliance to join the island’s existing fleet of vehicles, a Rural Response Pump (RRP).

In January, the RRP was airlifted from the mainland to Caldey by an RAF Chinook Helicopter to provide the community and its firefighters with an alternative choice of vehicle where conditions require 4x4 facilities due to difficult or restricted access.

Station manager Peter Phillips said: “The training we deliver to our firefighters must be fit for purpose for the needs of the community that they serve. The volunteer firefighters who serve Caldey Island are trained for defensive firefighting and in the unfortunate event of a fire on the island, would act to prevent the fire from spreading and allow time for a crew from the mainland to arrive.

“We had an excellent day at Caldey, delivering training to the crew on the newly-arrived RRP appliance and the equipment it carries. We also put them through their paces by conducting operational scenarios with them.”