DORSET Fire and Rescue will be conducting its annual fire service exercise on and around the Portland area on October 9 to test Dorset’s effectiveness in responding to a variety of incidents.

This year it will include Dorset Fire and Rescue Service, Dorset Police, Dorset County Council, Weymouth and Portland Council, the Environment Agency, Voluntary Agencies and Dorset County Hospital.

The exact location is being kept quiet, ensuring that the participating agencies have the most realistic set of scenarios.

However, local residents of Portland, Dorchester, Castletown, Fortuneswell and Wyke Regis area are being reassured that it is an exercise only and that no action is required of them. Exercise chief Bob Hark said: “This is an excellent opportunity to test the establishment of a rest centre, alongside the many operational requirements that such a large-scale incident scenario would bring.”

Craig Brown, Dorset County Hospital’s lead for emergency planning, said: “This is part of our ongoing efforts to ensure we are fully prepared in the event of a major incident and offers a fantastic opportunity to work alongside our partner agencies in delivering a joint response.”