About 1030 on Tuesday June 26th 2011 and anyone near the bridge can see that there's smoke coming from behind the Chequers.

This is the moment when the guys that we've got used to appearing at village fetes with their appliances, and spreading publicity about the dangers of fire are needed -- and turn up.

It may be only an outhouse that's on fire, and it may be entertaining for the spectators, but to the Norfolk Fire Service it's a technical problem requiring skill, bravery and breathing apparatus.

There was a rather intriguing tandem operation. Two appliances attended and were working in an area without hydrants or access to other suitable mains water supplies. They were however just metres away from Well Creek! But running a hose into the water opposite the fire would have blocked the main road. Instead, one engine remained fighting the fire while the other made repeated trips up the creek (we imagine to Mullicourt Aqueduct) to a place where there was suitable acces. Filling its own tanks, it then returned to pump these supplies into the tanks of the first engine before repeating the whole cycle.

The Fire Service were unable to save the roof -- which passers-by will know is now well on its way to complete restoration. The fire was caused by an electrical fault we believe and the frightening aspect of all this is that Rod Burman, the owner, had only left the property less than an hour before the fire took hold.

Our thanks to the guys from NFS (and to Rod for being sporting enough to let us post what must be some rather painful pictures). Perhaps we'll read their next fire safety bulletin with renewed attention!

Remember that these pictures can be viewed at full size by simply clicking on them -- and can then be downloaded by right-clicking on them and selecting 'Save picture as ...'.

 

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