Buckles Inn Exercise

Buckles Inn Training Exercise

The Buckles Inn, located just outside York, was a traditional country pub and inn known for its warm atmosphere and convenient location. Situated near major roads and only a short drive from York’s historic city centre, it served as a popular stop for travellers exploring the area. Now closed, it was the scene of a fire training exercise in February 2025.

Before the exercise commences, EG23 LXP a Ford Transit from Tadcaster, was on scene to set up the smoke bombs.

As smoke started emanating from the extractor vents and door gaps, the Transit was repositioned right next to the A64 dual carriageway. This helped as a marker for where the appliances would need to turn into the car park as well as be a reassuring presence for members of the public passing (to try and avoid any unnecessary 999 calls).

The call is put in at 10:09 for a turnout.

First to arrive is YK64 GXU from York just 6 minutes later. The appliance makes slows down on the A64 dual carriageway and makes use of a short exit lane to observe the scene. The driver then moves forward about 100m at the side of the dual carriageway and make the sharp 90 degree turn into the Buckles Inn car park, carefully negotiating the narrow entrance. The appliance leaves the blue lights flashing at the scene as crews quickly assess the situation.

NJ22 EPX is next from near-by Tadcaster at 10:19 to back up York. Roles are established and crews don BA kit to enter the property. BA boards are set up at two different entrances to the building.

YK64 GXR arrives from Huntington at 10:32 to make pumps 3.

This is a joint exercise with West Yorkshire, so backing up the initial crews at 10:37 were YJ60 ELX and YK17 OAH from Garforth. West Yorkshire position their appliances to a different side of the building and prepare to enter through a different door.

YJ12 GTU is the second pump from Tadcaster and arrives at 10:39 to make pumps 6. The crew are briefed by the officer in charge and prepare to support their colleagues.

The last pump to arrive is Selby’s YJ22 EPY which is supported by Land Rover YJ12 DXF. The Land Rover is used for water rescue work and is unusual as having no ‘fire’ markings or crests on it.

The exercise was a success and all of the crews gained valuable experience in dealing with a large smoke-logged building.