As The Western Photographic Society, we were fortunate to be invited by the Airport FDire and Rescue Service to witness and photograph some ot their dtraining exercises on one of our Thursday evenings at the Ronaldsway facility.

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In common with most international airports, the Isle of Man Airport maintains its own independent fire service.  This service cooperates closely with the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service.

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The airport fire station is now considered too small for its cusrrent appliances and crews and a new facility is planned for construction, starting in 2022-2023

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Our group, numbering approx 17 keen photographers, gathered at the centre at 7pm and were treated to an hours display of fire fighting techniques, including hand held high pressure hoses and vehicle operated equipment.  The exercise and display involved the extinguishing of mimic aircraft fires using the purpose built apparatus.

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Our group were then given a conducted tour of the station buildings and associate fire appliance equipment.  The four vehicles housed in the vehice bays will soon be replaced by newer appliances manufactsures in the USA and costing in excess of £1m each.

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Conditions for photography were challenging, given the extremes of intense light  from the flames and darkness but it offered members of the club the possibility to photogsraph something out of the ordinary.  An enjoyable evening for all.

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Our thanks go to the Fire Service personel for their invitation and for putting on an interesting and exciting display.

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Report by Dr David Salter

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