Town’s firefighters join flood rescue teams in Cumbria

FIREFIGHTERS from Warrington are among crews from specialist search and rescue teams helping out with the disastrous flooding in Cumbria.
They are working with crews from Widnes and Congleton, along with personnel from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service’s International Search and Rescue team (ISAR).
Two fire engines, a rescue boat and a high volume pump have also been sent to Cumbria.
The mission is to help in the efforts to rescue people from the devastating impact of the flood waters.
One of the Cheshire fire engines was sent during Saturday night along with two staff from Warrington to pump out a premises in Penrith.
Two other members of the Warrington crew, along with the ISAR team, went to Carlisle to use the boat in a mass evacuation.  In tough and hazardous conditions, the team rescued six adults and a child from a property, using the boat.
A Fire Service spokesperson said: “Conditions were extremely hazardous with lots of debris in fast flowing water.
“Just before lunch time on Sunday the ISAR team and staff from Warrington fire station worked alongside crews from Staffordshire fire and rescue service in Carlisle to evacuate properties in flooded streets.
The crews used boats during the rescue efforts.
“Members of the Warrington fire crew also worked in the Eden Park Crescent area of Carlisle, where they evacuated and rescued two adults from a property using the boat.
“The crew also checked several other properties and occupiers to make sure that they were safe.
“Over the weekend, the Cheshire crews rescued 12 people in total and also two dogs.-
Today, The river levels are dropping in Keswick, but the crews continuing with rescue efforts. The High Volume Pump is at Keswick Rugby Club pumping out water.