Fire chief president visits flood-hit Somerset

PRESIDENT of the Chief Fire Officers Association visited flood-hit areas of Somerset yesterday (Wednesday, February 12, 2014) to see first-hand the prolonged challenges facing local firefighters.

Paul Fuller described the efforts of the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service as “valiant.”

“The valiant efforts of fire crews in Devon, Somerset and other services across the country, who have been working tirelessly to help those affected by flooding should be recognised and applauded,” he said.

“In the face of exceptionally poor weather conditions, they have provided invaluable assistance to people whose lives and livelihood are under threat.”

The situation enters its sixth week and Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service have been involved from the start from pumping out properties, setting up ferry services, helping to move people, belongings and livestock to safety.

PHOTO - TOP: President of the Chief Fire Officers Association, Paul Fuller, in Somerset yesterday (Wednesday, February 13, 2014).

Presently 20 Fire and Rescue Services across the country are sending help to the area, under national resilience arrangements, including specialist technical and strategic staff, 12 high volume pumps, all-terrain vehicles and hovercraft. Crews have travelled from as far afield as West Yorkshire to provide support to Devon and Somerset colleagues and residents.

Chief Fire Officer for Devon and Somerset, Lee Howell, said: “I am immensely proud of the efforts of partners and my staff who remain actively engaged in dealing with this incident and in reducing the impact and associated distress to residents of Somerset.

“I am also very grateful for the mutual aid provided by other fire and rescue services who are supporting us locally."

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