Christmas rescues and aid for householders

Fire crews from Dunstable came to the rescue of people in a variety of ways over the Christmas and New Year holiday.

Shortly before 8 pm on December 26th they attended a house in Prince’s Street where burst pipes in the loft had flooded the whole house - and there was a foot of water in the basement - causing a danger of electrocution.

Crew Commander Richard Portlock and colleagues isolated the electric and water supplies and pumped 2,000 litres from the basement.

“When we arrived it was like it was raining indoors,” said CC Portlock.

Later that night they received a call from the police at 01.14 (27th) to rescue a man who had slipped 20 metres down Houghton Pit near French’s Avenue between Dunstable and Houghton Regis.

A firefighter using a rope and harness went down to check the man’s injuries, which appeared to be cuts and bruises, and then helped him clamber back up the slippery slope to waiting paramedics.

“He had been there for an hour so was very cold and because of the snow and ice had been unable to climb back up the bank unaided,” added CC Portlock.

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Issued on behalf of Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service by Manners PR Jacquie Manners 01234 326198