Glastonbury firefighters join armoured rescue training

By Laura Linham 29th Jun 2026

Local News by Laura Linham 1 hour ago

Glastonbury firefighters have taken part in specialist heavy rescue training alongside military personnel and other emergency service crews.

The crew joined Exercise Armoured Rescue 2026 at Bovington, where firefighters practised rescue techniques involving armoured vehicles. The training was designed to prepare crews for complex incidents where heavy vehicles, difficult access and multi-agency working are involved.

Glastonbury Fire Station said the exercise included complex casualty extrication, heavy lifting, stabilisation and joint incident management. Crews worked through challenging scenarios with military personnel and fellow emergency service colleagues.

A spokesperson for Glastonbury Fire Station said: "Great to be invited to take part in Exercise Armoured Rescue 2026 at Bovington as part of our Heavy Rescue training.

"Over the course of the exercise, we worked alongside military personnel and fellow emergency service colleagues, developing and practising specialist rescue techniques involving armoured vehicles.

"Training included complex casualty extrication, heavy lifting, stabilisation, and joint incident management in challenging scenarios."

The station said opportunities such as the Bovington exercise help firefighters build skills and strengthen partnerships with other organisations. They also help crews prepare for demanding rescue incidents that may require specialist equipment and close co-ordination between agencies.

The spokesperson added: "These opportunities are invaluable in building skills, strengthening multi-agency partnerships, and ensuring we're prepared for the most demanding rescue incidents.

"A huge thank you to everyone involved for an excellent and well-organised exercise."

Bovington, in Dorset, is closely associated with military vehicle training and armoured warfare. For Glastonbury's firefighters, the exercise offered a chance to test heavy rescue skills in a setting far removed from routine call-outs.