Crew Commander Andrew Harrison and Firefighter David Murfitt were both awarded their medals for their dedication to the fire service . Both joined Littleport in 1993 and have served here ever since. This makes 4 of our serving crew who have been awarded this medal.
Some recent incidents:
Could it happen to me? Littleport station was called to one of the more rare incidents this quarter. A call was received from Norfolk to a building fire in Downham Market. When the crew arrived they found that the building was actually the fire station. The local crew had also been called into their own station but due to the intensity of the fire were unable to enter to retrieve any equipment or fire engine. Surrounding crews battled to save the engine and building but extensive damage had occurred. 8 crews from across two counties attended the incident during the night. These incidents are rare due to the service rigorously testing and checking electrical equipment and fire risks to their properties, but this can still happen. Although the building and equipment were seriously damaged no one was hurt. The engine was replaced the same day with a reserve appliance and is operating from another location; the building will be replaced following an investigation.
A local couple’s smoke alarm alerted them to a fire in their kitchen. They saw flames coming from the back of their oven and immediately called the fire service. The fire was dealt with quickly by the crew but some damage had occurred to the oven and worktop. The gas supply company also had to be called to make a damaged gas pipe safe before crews left the scene.
Crews were called to the A10 at Denver to reports of an overturned vehicle. All of the emergency services responded to assist the driver who, on arrival had only minor injuries. As the crew became available they were mobilised again to trees on fire at Witcham Toll which was dealt with 1 hose reel. On returning from this incident the crew were again diverted to another fire in Ely.
A home owner investigating a strange noise coming from his garden found a deer had become trapped in his garden railings. The crew were called in to rescue the animal which was carried out using special animal rescue skills.
A prize ram also needed rescuing when it escaped from its pen and got stuck in mud near a river. The ram had been trying for sometime to climb back up the bank side but had become very exhausted. The crew managed to reunite the animal with its owner.
Go and test your SMOKE ALARM now, it may just save your life!!
Clive Allen – Watch Commander
For more information go to www.cambsfire.gov.uk