FIREFIGHTERS have been carrying out a major training exercise at Salisbury Cathedral, practising complex rescue techniques in one of the city’s most iconic and challenging buildings.

The exercise brought together specialist rope rescue teams from Westlea and Poole, alongside crews from Salisbury Fire Station and its aerial ladder platform.

Working inside the cathedral, firefighters simulated the rescue of an injured casualty from height within the tower.

During the scenario, crews carefully lowered the casualty from level eight of the tower down to the roof space above the nave.

From there, the casualty was transferred onto a stretcher, manoeuvred through a window and safely brought down using the aerial ladder platform positioned outside.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said the exercise formed part of its ongoing training programme, designed to ensure crews are fully prepared to respond to real-life emergencies.

Training in historic and complex buildings is considered especially important, as such locations present unique challenges that firefighters may not encounter in more modern structures.

The service added that practising in realistic environments helps crews refine specialist skills, improve coordination between teams and maintain the highest standards of safety – both for firefighters and for the public.

Fire chiefs also paid tribute to Salisbury Cathedral staff for their cooperation and support in allowing access to the building.

They said opportunities to train in landmarks of this scale and significance are invaluable, enabling firefighters to test their techniques in demanding conditions while respecting the heritage of the site.

Exercises like this, the service said, play a crucial role in ensuring that if the worst were to happen, crews are ready to respond quickly, safely and effectively.

The fire service has shared a short video of the exercise on its Facebook page.