Simulated explosion and fire in Polička tested the preparedness of emergency services

Dozens of emergency services units and a Czech Police helicopter took part in the tactical exercise.

A tactical exercise of the Integrated Rescue System at the Poličské strojírenství and STV GROUP Bořiny premises simulated the explosion of an unknown explosive device and the spread of fire to the adjacent forest and ammunition depots. Dozens of IRS units and a Czech Police helicopter took part in the operation.

On Tuesday, May 13, a large-scale tactical exercise of the Integrated Rescue System (IRS) took place at the Poličské strojírenství and STV GROUP Bořiny premises. The theme of the exercise was a simulated explosion of an unknown explosive substance during the incineration of old crates, which caused an explosive fire that spread to the adjacent forest. Strong winds further spread the fire towards ammunition storage facilities, and the exercise scenario was assessed as extremely dangerous.

How did the tactical exercise proceed?

As part of the scenario, immediately after the explosion, three employees who were in the vicinity of the training epicentre were simulated as injured. The site security reported the incident to the emergency line 150. The Pardubice Region Fire and Rescue Service Operations and Information Centre declared a first-degree alarm and dispatched Fire and Rescue, Emergency Medical Service, and Police units to the scene.

Professional firefighters from Polička were the first to arrive at the scene, guided safely by the gatekeeper. After a quick survey and triage of the injured, first aid was provided immediately, and they were then evacuated to safety. A danger zone was cordoned off, and emergency equipment was deployed to protect all units. Water jets, mobile pumping stations, and a police helicopter were deployed, which dropped water using a Bambi bucket. A self-supporting flexible tank was also used for firefighting, serving as a filling station.

The exercise involved professional firefighting units from Polička, Svitavy, Ústí nad Orlicí, and Pardubice, as well as volunteer firefighting units from 13 surrounding municipalities. Other units involved in the operation included the Emergency Medical Service, the Czech Police, the Czech Police Air Service from Brno, and the Polička Municipal Police.

The exercise practised key skills, including:

coordination and cooperation between emergency services,
communication with site security,
orientation and movement of units within the Bořina site,
firefighting using a helicopter and a Bambi bucket,
construction and use of tanks,
verification of the functionality of an analogue converter,
and checking new documentation for firefighting in the combustion facility.

The entire exercise lasted approximately 2.5 hours, during which a monitoring drone was also deployed to provide an overview of the extent of the fire. In cooperation with the operations centre, the incident commander ensured the coordination of all units, with information transmitted via a converter.

"Such extensive tactical exercises are essential. They test crisis scenarios and the preparedness of our people and the emergency services. This is crucial for ensuring the safety of not only STV GROUP employees but also the residents of Polička and the surrounding area. We want to thank all participating employees and units for their professional approach," said David Hác, Chairman of the Board of Directors of STV GROUP, describing the importance of the tactical crisis response exercise.

The experience gained from this model intervention is invaluable for all involved. STV GROUP hereby confirms that responsibility for safety is part of its corporate culture. Through active cooperation with the Integrated Rescue System, it contributes not only to the safety of its employees and the protection of its operations but also to the protection of life and property throughout the region. The readiness to cooperate in resolving crises was also proven during a recent emergency at the Bořiny site.

#MakingASaferWorld #Together

Press release available for download below.

Photo credit: Fire and Rescue Service of the Pardubice Region