Farmers helping fire-fighters put out rural fires

Meet ‘the league of extraordinary farmers’ who are helping firefighters protect homes, the countryside and food growing in fields 🔥⤵️

Farmers in Hertfordshire, in partnership with their local fire service Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service who came up with the nickname, have developed a new connector that allows firefighters direct access to water supplies from bowsers and water tanks, gaining precious time and additional water resources to bring fast-moving field fires under control.

Wayne Gibbons, East Herts & Broxbourne Group Commander for Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Service, said: “We carry a limited supply of water on fire appliances, so we can have an initial strike into a fire, which we would supplement using fire hydrants, but these hydrants aren’t available in rural areas."

“To have water readily available for use is essential. We don’t need large amounts, but we do need a steady supply. We can use lakes or ponds. However, it can be time-consuming to get that water, so this new connector is another step forward in how farmers can assist us."

As well as providing water, farmers have also been helping out by ploughing fire breaks to prevent the spread of fast-moving fires in order to protect further land from damage.

Tom Parkins a farmer in the local area, who is also a police volunteer, has been coordinating the farming response when field fires occur. Tom said: “The fire service were surprised that we are available 24 hours day, seven days a week to respond. They asked when they could call me and I said anytime. I will take a call whenever.

“This is the farming community pulling together to help the local community. Farmers do it time and time again, whether it’s supplying water, tackling fires, or dealing with flooding incidents.”

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