Crowds gathered to watch firefighters tackle a simulation blaze in a training exercise on one of the county's most recognisable landmarks.
Fake smoke billowed from Chichester Cathedral and West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service crews used an aerial ladder platform to douse the "fire" from above last night.
Dozens of firefighters worked alongside police and ambulance crews as the training exercise also included the rescue of a young person trapped inside.
People lined West Street behind barriers and looked up as smoke began to rise from the historic building.
The training exercise was one of the biggest in several years for West Sussex Firefighters and was based on learning from the Notre Dame fire in 2019.
Its aim was to test the emergency procedures that are currently in place for incidents involving Chichester Cathedral.
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Ahead of the session, Anton Mezzone, station manager for Chichester Fire Station, said: “Crews regularly train and prepare for incidents at fire stations, but being able to practice these skills with our partners in a realistic environment is the best way to test and improve our plans.
“Following on from the Notre-Dame fire in 2019, we looked at similar risks in the county. Since then, we have been learning about the challenges faced by our French colleagues and have adapted our operational plans; this exercise will reflect the changes that we have been making and allow us to put our new plans into action.
“We would love for people in the community to come along, watch the exercise and say hello. From my knowledge, there hasn’t been an exercise like this within the city for a long time, so it’s a great opportunity to come and see something unique.”
Tony Allen, clerk of works at Chichester Cathedral, added: “This exercise offers a valuable opportunity to trial emergency plans and procedures, ensuring the protection of Chichester’s historic Cathedral. We are grateful to all of those involved in the planning and delivery, including the team at the West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service."
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