Fire Crews’ Flood Ordeal

NORTH East firefighters involved in a battle against severe flooding in Humberside have told of the harrowing conditions they faced.

Fire crews from Northumberland worked waist-deep in flood water that was polluted with sewage. Conditions were described as “extremely difficult”.

A 20 tonne hi-tech pumping unit from Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service was based in Humberside for a week from last Monday with crews working round the clock to pump water away from streets and houses.

Five separate crews, made up of five firefighters and one officer, were sent from the county.

They have now returned after working alongside other agencies to reduce the level of the flood waters.

Station manager Les Embleton, from Ashing-ton Fire Station, said: “We worked on one of the biggest housing estates in Beverley near Hull where there was water as far as the eye could see. I’ve been a firefighter for many years but I’d never seen anything like it.

“The conditions were challenging with the water up to two metres deep in places and organising the pumping was physically draining.”

Brian Hesler, chief fire officer for Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service, said: “All our Northumberland crews have been working tirelessly over the past seven days to respond to severe flooding in Humberside.

“Across the country, fire crews have done a professional job in very difficult conditions.”

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