Formentera firefighters participate in training course on non-standard, electric vehicles

From 27 to 31 October, two Formentera firemen attended a special course on safely working with alternative and clean energy-powered vehicles. The 35-hour course was held in France at the firefighting training centre (Le Centre de Formation des Sapeurs-Pompiers) of Vienne.

The course was geared toward qualifying firefighters to deal with any one of three situations: an electric car fire; escort by electric vehicle of a released prisoner; and transport of butane, propane, natural or methane gases. Participants were confronted with real and simulated fires involving electric- and alternative energy-powered cars, trucks and coaches.

Fifteen firefighters from across Spain attended the training session. The Formentera Council paid a total of €2,000 (€1,000 per person) for the local employees' participation. The Council wishes to thank the firefighters of Palma de Mallorca, who facilitated Formentera's participation in the activity.

The Formentera fire brigade regularly receives professional training. Last year firefighters attended an intensive hands-on course in Mallorca regarding fighting urban fires. Next week (8 and 9 November) on the island, a group jointly composed of local firefighters and members of Formentera's Civil Protection league will participate in a course on driving emergency vehicles.