The Service’s Control room at Essex Fire Service had a busy night receiving calls from across the county from people who were affected by flooding.
In most cases, ECFRS is unable to help as the service only deals with flooding incidents where life is at risk. When flooding is caused by rain – as was the case overnight – pumping the water from a person’s home or garden does not solve the problem. It simply moves it to the next home or garden or it floods straight back in as it is being pumped.
In most cases, callers were advised to isolate their electrical supply and to call back immediately if the flooding did begin to affect their electricity.
On the roads, the service was involved in a few rescues of people trapped in their cars by flood water. Details see separate incidents.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Gary Fleming said: “We urge drivers to take caution when driving into flooded areas of road. The water can be deceptively deep and cars quickly become trapped.
“This puts the occupants of cars at great risk and can tie up fire crews for a long time carrying out complicated rescues.
“It is better to add a few minutes to your journey time by finding routes which avoid flood water than risk damaging your car and endangering your life.”
