THE latest laser technology at an Oldbury chemical company was used to teach Scouts about fire safety.

St John’s Scouts learned how to tackle a virtual fire using the state-of-the-art equipment as part of an educational event hosted by Solvay to help them work towards their Fire Safety Activity Badge.

About 20 boys and girls, aged between 11 and 14, and adult helpers used the latest laser technology to simulate a fire and the discharge of an extinguisher. The Scouts also had a look around a Solvay fire engine, watched a site induction video, and were told about site alarms, emergency procedures, fire safety and different fire extinguishers.

Site director Jean-François Berthiaume said: "Solvay staff are very highly trained in all aspects of fire safety. Therefore, as a company that is committed to achieving the highest standards of health, safety and environmental protection, we were delighted to help the local Scouts understand how we mitigate fire safety risks on site in order to protect our workers and the local community."