The scenario of a fire in Canterbury Cathedral will test more than 100 firefighters on Monday evening.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service’s (KFRS) new high volume pumping equipment will be used during the mock blaze.

Twenty appliances from across Kent will take part in order to assess the service’s response to a major incident.

The Cathedral has been chosen because of the specific challenges it presents to firefighters, including the height and size of the building. A significant number of irreplaceable artefacts and priceless books are also housed there.

The equipment being tested on Monday is now operational at Whitstable Fire Station.

“It’s been introduced predominantly to deal with flooding incidents,” said Canterbury station manager Richard Willingham.

“However, it will also improve the service’s capability of moving high volumes of water to major fires.”

Audio: Canterbury Station Commander Richard Willingham explains the drill to Adam Willliams >>>

In very large fires, appliances will not have to travel back and forth from a water source. A kilometre of hose can be laid down while the vehicle drives along and can pump 8,000 litres of water per minute.

The River Stour will be used as a water source throughout Monday’s exercise.

Mr Willingham added: “We will also be putting into practice communication between KFRS and Cathedral staff.

“It will ensure we identify and prioritise which essential items need to be protected and removed from inside.”

Security and safety manager at the Cathedral Jim Morley is delighted to assist in the exercise.

“We hope that this practice will never have to be used in reality, but the fires at York Minster and Windsor Castle have shown constant vigilance and training is needed when caring for ancient buildings,” he said.

The exercise starts at 6.30pm and firefighters will be setting up equipment in roads around the Cathedral including The Buttermarket, Burgate, Mercery Lane, High Street and The Parade.

Additionally, resources may also be deployed in The Friars, Orange Street, and Sun Street.