Busiest Period Ever for NYFRS 26/06/07

Date:   26.06.07

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has experienced what is possibly the busiest 24 hours in living memory. Fire Control Room Staff received over 1000 calls during Monday's heavy rainfall, which is possibly the busiest period ever experienced.

A majority of calls were to reports of widespread flooding in the areas of Ryedale, Selby, York and Harrogate. North Yorkshire Fire Control assisted with hundreds of calls from our neighbouring Fire and Rescue Services in Humberside, South and West Yorkshire. During Monday, Fire Control Staff were receiving on average one call every minute.

Fire and Rescue Service Spokesperson, Station Manager Carl Boasman says:" This has possibly been the busiest period for the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service in living memory. Control Room staff have worked continuously for the last 24 hours. Their professionalism and efficiency has ensured that Fire and Rescue resources have been mobilised in the quickest possible time, to the locations where they have been needed most." He continues "We have had over 30 Fire Appliances, 150 Fire-fighters, 6 specialist appliances and over 20 Officers and support staff working tirelessly to provide an effective emergency response during this busy period. It is credit to Fire and Rescue staff and our partners that these incidents have been dealt with effectively."

During Monday night, Fire-fighters responded to over 200 calls, and dealt with flooding in over 400 premises.

For advice with preparing for or dealing with flooding incidents, visit our website www.northyorksfire.gov.uk