This morning Fire Control for Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service received a large volume of emergency calls to flooding across the South of Shropshire.
We responded by rapidly mobilizing specially trained crews to the area to support existing personnel already deployed. Twelve fire engines, four off road vehicles and two specialist rescue boats were part of the resources deployed. Fifty firefighters and officers were involved, of which twenty five have specific water rescue training.
Personnel from the Telford Training Centre helped at the incidents and off duty personnel were recalled. This rapid response was born from experiences gained in the flash floods of 2007.
The Fire Service was able to work closely with our colleagues in other emergency services utilizing joint communications. In one case a firefighter on the scene was able to speak directly to a Police helicopter crew to coordinate the location and rescue of a casualty from flood water.
Five people have been rescued by Fire Service personnel.
