When every minute counts, every move matters and every process must run smoothly. To ensure exactly that, SEFE Storage and the Rehden municipal fire brigade recently trained together under realistic emergency conditions.

What’s the right response to an industrial fire? What measures are required in the event of a burning gas leak? And how should the fire brigade and the storage operator coordinate their actions during an emergency response? These were the questions that firefighters and SEFE Storage employees addressed together during a joint exercise at the Rehden natural gas storage facility.

The five-hour training exercise focused on the interplay between emergency response personnel, equipment and organisational processes. To ensure the most realistic conditions possible, the organisers worked with Delta Safety & Protection, which provided a specially adapted industrial fire simulation system. Using liquefied petroleum gas, the system can realistically simulate various fire scenarios, enabling participants to train different firefighting techniques under demanding conditions.

Two instructors from the RelyOn Fire Academy supported the exercise. Through professional feedback and joint evaluations, participants were able to exchange experiences, reflect on operational procedures and gain valuable insights for potential emergency scenarios.

A particular focus of the simulation was compliance with the site-specific fire protection requirements at the Rehden storage facility. For example, participants practised implementing the fire protection plan, using the on-site stationary fire pump system and handling specialised equipment. Particular emphasis was placed on response procedures for burning gas leaks, a highly unlikely scenario that nevertheless requires close coordination between emergency personnel and technical systems.

After five hours of practical exercises and several strategic discussions, all participants drew a positive conclusion. In addition to reinforcing important emergency response procedures, the exercise further strengthened cooperation between the fire brigade and SEFE Storage. The simulation deepened participants’ understanding of their respective roles and enhanced their ability to respond effectively together in an emergency.

“The joint exercise in Rehden once again demonstrated that safety is built on sound preparation, experience and close cooperation. After all, in a real-life emergency, having trained beforehand can make all the difference”, emphasises Kevin Cascioli, Operations Manager at the Rehden storage facility.

As the operator of critical energy infrastructure, SEFE Storage bears a special responsibility for the safe and reliable operation of its storage facilities. Alongside technical safety systems and clearly defined emergency plans, regular exercises form an important part of emergency preparedness. They help establish routine, identify potential improvements and strengthen cooperation among all parties involved.