23/7/2007 - Cumbrian firefighters pitch in with south west flood response effort

Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service is helping flood victims in south west England as torrential rain continues takes it toll.

Cumbria's high volume pump, which is capable of pumping 7,000 litres of water a minute, was sent to Gloucestershire last night and is now being used to protect an electricity sub-station at Walham which provides power to 500,000 people in the county.

Cockermouth based Group Manager Mike Smith has also made the journey south to provide assistance at the strategic flood support centre which has been set up in Worcester to help coordinate the emergency services' rescue efforts. 

While there, Group Manager Smith will be offering advice on the tactics and methods used by Cumbrian firefighters in their response to the Carlisle floods of 2005.

Rescue boats and crews from Carlisle and Barrow fire stations are also on standby to head south to assist the flood-hit areas should they be called upon. 

Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service's Assistant Chief Fire Officer Dave Keevil, said: "The invaluable experience Cumbrian firefighters have in dealing with flood rescues is being used to assist our colleagues in the south of the country."

ENDS

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