RESIDENTS of a Deane street may have been alarmed to see smoke coming out of one of the windows of an apartment building, but it was all part of an important exercise for the fire service.

Crews met for a briefing at Bolton Central Community Fire Station at 9am on Sunday, before heading to Fernstead House, in Fern Street.

A smoke machine was set up on the ninth floor and clouds of smoke were seen billowing out of one of the windows.

More fire engines arrived at the scene with flashing lights and parked around the back of the building.

Firefighters in full uniform, including helmets and breathing apparatus on their back then left the engines and started to take out equipment including a hose.

A cordon was set up between the front and back of the complex.

To the back, a white board was set up on a stand, where the plan of action was outlined by the watch manager.

To the front of the building, volunteers from Bolton at Home were acting as casualties of the fire.

A mat was set up on the grass and the volunteers were sat down and given oxygen by one of the firefighters.

After around 45 minutes, the smoke disappeared and the ‘fire’ was extinguished.

The ‘casualties’ were then put into a Red Cross emergency support vehicle.

A police van also arrived on the scene.

Thanks to a good relationship with caretaker Neil Harrison, firefighters regularly train at the site to develop and hone their skills.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service issued a notice on social media in the morning assuring people that it was just a training exercise.

They wrote: “Crews are carrying out a training exercise at Fernstead House in Bolton from 9.30am-12pm, using cosmetic smoke.

“If you live in the area, please don’t be alarmed if you see a lot of firefighters in and around the building.”

According to one of the station staff, the memo did not reach everyone and a number of calls were received in relation to the incident. Senior fire officers stressed that there are no safety concerns with the building itself.