December 7, 2015 10.51 am This story is over 98 months old

Lincolnshire fire fighters rescue over 100 people in flooded Carlisle

Lincolnshire crews rescue hundreds: Fire fighters from Lincolnshire have been taking part in crucial rescue missions after Storm Desmond devastated communities in the north.

Specialist crews from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue have been taking part in crucial rescue missions after Storm Desmond devastated communities in the north of the country.

Deployed to Carlisle, one of the most severely affected areas, crews from Gainsborough, Sleaford and Boston began rescuing a number of people and animals from homes on Warwick Road.

Photo: Dave Gilbert

Photo: Dave Gilbert

As water levels continued to rise over the weekend’s storm, between 30 and 50 Lincolnshire fire fighters successfully rescued over 100 people from their flooded homes.

No casualties have been reported during rescue missions.

In particular, the Lincolnshire crews are receiving much praise for one officer’s imaginative idea of floating those affected out of their homes on overturned fridge freezers.

Residents who have seen waters trap them onto first floors of their properties were photographed by group manager Dave Gilbert seeing the lighter side of her fridge rescue.

Photo: Dave Gilbert

Photo: Dave Gilbert

John Cook from Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue told The Lincolnite: “The crews of fire fighters have been specially trained in water rescues and dealing with flooding.

“Throughout the weekend, teams have rescued a number of people and pets from terrace houses. They are put into boats and transported to safety.

“Down one road, the area was submerged by around seven feet of water.

“We are currently based on Warwick Road, and crews also have the added challenge of dealing with crumbling buildings and highway infrastructure.”

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue will retain trained resources should they be required in the county.

Tens of thousands of homes are still without power after Storm Desmond caused severe flooding and travel disruptions.

The army has also been evacuating homes in Cumbria.