PIONEERING work done by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service is impressing firefighters from across the world.

Fire chiefs from across the globe are flocking to Hampshire to see the new innovative techniques and pioneering work done by the service.

Crews from the US have just visited to learn about the diverse roles of the service which ranging from working with the naval base in Portsmouth to the world-renowned Animal Rescue team in Lyndhurst.

They also tried out wall-piercing ultra high pressure lances and learned the SAVE approach – Scan, Attack, Ventilate, Enter and Extinguish – devised in Hampshire’s drill yard.

Meanwhile fire bosses from Norway have also attended the Eastleigh headquarters to find out more about blue light collaboration, look at our training facilities and discuss strategic leadership.

These visits come after a delegation of Dutch chief officers came to Hampshire to look at response, community safety and resilience as part of a trip organised by the National Fire Chief’s Council.

Tony Pearce, the first inspector-general for emergency management in Victoria, Australia, is also about to visit Hampshire Fire and Rescue’s Eastleigh HQ.

Oslo chief officer Jon Myroldhaug said: “It was a short rewarding trip to Hampshire. I was particularly interested in looking at the innovative ways Hampshire train and educate their firefighters.

“We discussed the culture of the fire service and we will be looking to take what we have learned in Hampshire back to Norway including the focus on community engagement and educating young children through school visits.

“One of the most impressive aspects for me was to learn that nationally the number of fires has been cut by half in 10 years. That is an incredible achievement.”

Black Butte Fire Department deputy chief Dave Phillips, from the US, said: “We had an amazing time on our exchange.

“I enjoyed seeing the administrative aspects of your new governance. Operationally, I was very impressed with your animal rescue programme, your academy and BA training.”

He went on to say he also looked at leadership techniques and the firefighters got the chance to experience new kinds of training.