Firefighters from Kent, Surrey and London joined forces with Kent Police, Kent County Council and the National Trust to carry out a large training exercise at Chartwell House.

The scenario, held on 6 November, rehearsed a fire in the historic house’s boiler room, with smoke spreading through key rooms including the dining room, sitting room and kitchen areas.

The exercise tested the effectiveness of firefighting tactics, water supply and access routes, and crews worked with volunteers and staff from the National Trust, which manages the country home in Westerham, to practice salvaging precious heritage items.

Chartwell House is considered one of the most important buildings in the southeast, with over 450 years of history, including being the home of former Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

Combined, seven fire engines attended from across the fire and rescue services, alongside officers from Kent Police and 2km of hosepipe and pumps from KFRS to move water from remote areas to the fire.

Henry Weeds, Senior Collections and House Officer at Chartwell House said:

“Protecting the places and items in our care is a critical part of our work, and simulating emergency scenarios, and the safe evacuation of objects is an essential step to achieving this. We were delighted to work alongside Kent Fire and Rescue Service in the planning and execution of this exercise, and at the professionalism and care taken by all the organisations involved.”

Steven Lewis, Head of Resilience at Kent Fire and Rescue Service, said:

“This exercise was all about learning and collaboration. Joint training like this helps ensure every emergency service is better prepared to protect the heritage of the southeast and, most importantly, the safety of local people.

“By working alongside our neighbouring fire and rescue services, Kent Police, and the dedicated staff and volunteers of the National Trust, we are strengthening how we respond together at the scenes of the most challenging emergencies.”