NEC’s Fire Survival Guidance app completes first field test in a planned exercise with Avon Fire & Rescue Service
On the evening of 16 June, Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) conducted a planned training scenario at a high-rise residential block in South Bristol. The exercise, named Exercise Turing, was designed to simulate a multi-incident fire evacuation and test operational coordination and communications, including the first live field test of the Fire Survival Guidance (FSG) application developed by NEC.
The scenario simulated multiple calls reporting varying conditions—such as smoke and flames—in several flats within a ten-storey building. Fire Control responded as they would in a real incident, mobilising multiple appliances and Incident Command vehicles to the scene.
A key aim of the exercise was to evaluate communication flows between Fire Control, Incident Command and Sector Command, with a focus on the use of digital tools to support real-time situational awareness. As part of the simulation, incoming calls were logged as “FSG Incidents,” and relevant details such as flat number, floor, occupant status, and reported conditions were synchronised in real-time to the FSG application. This information was displayed on screens in Incident Command vehicles and mobile data terminals (MDTs) used by the crews.
During the exercise, the FSG app provided a continuously updated overview of each flat’s status, serving as a central source of operational information. Feedback from participating crews and officers has been constructive and largely positive, with some users noting the speed at which the app allowed access to critical information. This valuable input is being carefully considered as part of ongoing development and evaluation efforts.
Andrew Kirkby, Station Manager for Avon Fire & Rescue Service control said:
“The feedback so far has been very encouraging. Several commanders independently observed that information was received incredibly fast through the app.”
This exercise was a significant step in assessing how digital tools like the FSG app could support decision-making and coordination during complex incidents.
Details on the app can be found here and please get in touch with the team to talk about implementing FSG as part of your Service’s incident response toolkit.
