Heywood fire crew help to fight floods

A Heywood based crew of the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service have been sent to flood stricken areas around Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire to assist in the rescue efforts.

Firefighters from Heywood have volunteered to attend and have so far carried out hundreds of rescues working with other Fire and Rescue Services, including wheelchair bound people from aged persons homes, people from a barge trapped under a bridge and people stranded on top of cars.

Crews have been shocked by the widespread devastation and extent of the flooding. They are expected to remain in the areas for a number of days to provide assistance.

Tony Proctor, Deputy County Fire Officer, said: “The flooding situation is extraordinary and it is vital that we assist our fellow Fire and Rescue Services wherever possible. The response from the firefighters in Greater Manchester has been incredible with many volunteers coming forward and we are pleased to be able to send our specialist teams to help. They have already carried out hundreds of rescues and we expect our crews to remain in the area for several days until the situation begins to ease.”