Donegal Civil Defence has hosted a training day to raise awareness of the role of the Auxiliary Fire Service.

The Northern Regional Intercounty Auxiliary Fire Service (AFS) Training Day took place at the Civil Defence's headquarters in Stranorlar on 24 November.

The event welcomed 36 participants, with opening talks on health, safety and legislation, PPE familiarisation, equipment familiarisation and standard operating guidelines delivered by Brendan Buckley, Monaghan Civil Defence Officer and Mickey Feeney AFS Instructor.

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It allowed participants to gain a better understanding and appreciation for health and safety and mandatory training and familiarise themselves on the importance of the correct and appropriate use of signs and lighting, the equipment on a fire appliance, its ancillary equipment and the Fire Services Council standard operating guidelines.

Workshops in the morning were led by Fintan Cooney, and Donal Treanor, AFS Instructors from Cavan and allowed participants to gain valuable knowledge on the different types of hoses, hose reels, hose management and maintenance. 

The importance of scene safety, proper signage, and appropriate lighting was delivered by Charles Fitzsimons, Cavan Civil Defence, and James Speers, AFS Cavan delivered a workshop on Portable Pumps and the Main Pump.

The event concluded with a cross section debrief which will be used to formulate the planning for further training.

(CM)