FIRE STATION

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Image by Cornwall Fire Brigade

About 8pm on Sunday 8th May appliances from Bude and Delabole attended a reported garden bonfire at Crackington Haven,which had gone out of control and caught a small shed alight.
There were also gas cylinders involved, two 15kg butane cylinders and a 400 litre propane cylinder, these were cooled and suffered no further damage. Firefighters wearing four breathing apparatus and two hose reels extinguished the fire which had spread to an area of approximately ten square metres.

On receiving several calls to sightings of smoke in the vicinity of Trewetha Lane, Port Isaac,at about 8.30pm on 26th April 201, two appliances from Delabole and one from Wadebridge were mobilised. On arrival crews found that an out of control bonfire had spread to approximately 100 lobster pots and a trailer. Crews used a light portable pump a main jet and two breathing apparatus to extinguish the fire.

Two crews from Delabole, Two crews and a water carrier from Wadebridge, One Flexi duty officer and a welfare vehicle from St Dennis attended a gorse fire near at Trebarwith at about 9pm on 29th of March 2011 . The gorse fire had two fronts. One fire front was supervised and left to burn to a natural break. The second line of fire was extinguished by Fire Crews using beaters. The men were engaged in several hours of hard work.

Delabole Fire Station raise over £500
On Wednesday 4th July the rain managed to hold off for the car boot sale and various games and activities to raise funds for the Firefighters Charity. Around 23 stall holders packed their way around the fire station. With plenty of fun and games on offer we managed to raise a grand total of £543.00. Mark Saltern (Station Officer) said this was a great achievement and would like to thank supporters and helpers for making it such a great success.

The new firefighting rig for 2010

Delabole Firefighters encounter RAF

Delabole Fire Crew were returning after a pumping exercise on Davidstow moor, and noticed two helicopters landing on the old airfield at Davidstow, so on going to investigate, it turned out to be two Puma helicopters from the 'Royal Air Force' refuelling ready for an exercise on Bodmin moor.

The Air Force Crew invited the Delabole Firefighters a tour around one of the Puma helicopters, before setting off to collect troops on Bodmin moor.

St Breward Barn Fire

Delabole Firefighters were called at 04.51 a.m, on Thursday 21st May, to Farm Buildings on fire at St. Breward. Also a Pump and Water Carrier from Bodmin attended to tackle the blaze.

Firefighter Simon Heard, fitting a Smoke Alarm on a home fire safety check,for Mr & Mrs McKnight, of Delabole. This free service, is available to anyone. We offer fire safety advise in the home, and fit smoke alarms if needed, all free. Anyone that requires a HFSC, can contact Bodmin Admin, 0120872312.

Shed Fire near Delabole

	Firefighters deal with a shed fire, just after 7.00am, on Sunday 12th April near Delabole.
Appliances from Delabole and Wadebridge were mobilised, the incident involved a shed measuring about 12 x 5 metres, firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used hosereel jets to extinguish the fire.

Fire at Polzeath

	Following a night out on the tiles or rather the slopes of Roughtor from about 9pm Thursday to 3.30am on Friday morning the Firefighters from Delabole were called to a building well alight at Polzeath at about 4.30pm, on Sunday 22nd March 2009
The pictures show scenes from the incident which involved 4 pumps from Wadebridge and Delabole, and 2 from Bodmin. St Columb were relief crew from about 11.00pm

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Santa and his Helpers tour the Streets of Delabole with the help of the Fire Brigade.

Firefighters and helpers handed out promotional items from the Brigade shop and collected donations for the Fire Service Benevolent Fund.

Click the images for a bigger picture

Photo's by Adrian Jasper

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Sub Officer Ken Goodman Retires after 37 years

Serving and Former Members of CCFB

CFO Matt Littmodem presents Ken with Certificate	Ken Recieves statuette from Stn O Mark Saltern
Audrey recieves bouquet from LFf Clyde Ferguson	Ken recieves award from DO Brian Crowle

Click the photo for a bigger Picture
'copyright' photo by David Flower

Leading Firefighter Clyde Ferguson and his wife Helen, are pleased to announce the birth of there daughter Lucy, born on Tuesday 12th December 2006, at 6.44 am, 7lb 11oz, at the Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro.

The photo is Lucy's first visit to the Station at one week old.

Delabole Crew
Back Row:- Sean Edwards, Don Cuff , David Broad, Michael Davey, Clyde Ferguson, Simon Heard,
Front Row:- Shane Trewin Richard Bluett, Sub/O Ken Goodman, Stn/O Mark Saltern,
LFf Leigh Oulton, Simon Hunt

Mercedes Atego appliance	The Toyota L4P
Firefighter Shaun Edwards Delabole Fire Station's latest recruit	The Delabole Firefighters in rig for various rolls
Certiicate of Commendation The Executive of Cornwall County Council and the Chief Fire Officer of Cornwall County Fire Brigade hereby commend: Station Officer Mark Saltern Sub Officer Kenneth Goodman Firefighter Richard Bluett Firefighter Michael Davey Firefighter Peter Trewin Firefighter David Broad Firefighter Roy Hooper (Launceston) For their actions and in particular their speed,courage and professionalism at The North Cornwall Floods on 16th August, 2000

 The Insider view to the Boscastle Flooding
Photographs taken from inside the houses and shops of Boscastle

	These pictures are I believe the first publicly seen of what the situation looked like to the people who had to flee from the streets to the relative safety of the shops and houses
The wonderfull moment when the rescue helicopters arrive and they begin to winch the surivors from the velux type windows in the roof of the upper floors of the building

The North Cornwall Flood
Many Thanks to Richard Bluett and Helen Saltern without whom
this article would not have been possible

JUST ANOTHER DAY…….OR WAS IT!

Sat at my desk busy working away at my admin duties, as always! I received a call from my husband who is a Station Officer with the Cornwall County Fire brigade based at the Delabole station. He was warning me that I would not be able to get home as he was attending flooding of approximately 3 foot on the roads near Camelford. Now, I have to say, I laughed, as I looked out the window in Bodmin and the sun was shining and people were strolling around in shorts! He assured me that it was no wind up and suggested that I call him again before leaving work so he could update me on the roads.

Pictures taken as Flood Developed

Just before five I gave him a call and got a very broken reception from his mobile with him saying “I’m at a major incident”. He sounded worried, and I became concerned as to what he was dealing with. The call was barely audible and the line broke off. Concerned, I drove home taking a different route in order to avoid Camelford. To my surprise I got home without a problem, a few puddles nothing more. Tried to call him again, no reception. Switched the TV on and got the shock of my life, for news was pouring in of a major disaster in Boscastle (approx 8 miles down the road from where I live). The pictures were showing terrible scenes of flooding, lives were feared lost, but not confirmed and the village cut off. I cannot describe how I felt, knowing my husband was in there, but where I do not know. The next five hours were the worst I’d ever had, I tried endlessly to contact him, but to no avail and I continued to watch the horror unfold on the TV just praying they would not mention anything bad about the fire crew.

I received a call after 10.00pm, from my hubby who said he was fine but had been airlifted out from a roof top. He told me the full horror of his ordeal when he returned home a few hours later. Him and his crew of five had arrived first on scene, my husband radioed the control centre and declared a ‘major incident’ asking for all the help that could be activated, they started moving people away from buildings and bridges etc, the water had continued to rise to a point that they had no option but to head into a shop and make their way upstairs to the first floor. They had taken in with them members of the public who had been cut off from an escape route. The property had rooms in the roof space and a velux window. The fireman removed the velux and noticed further velux windows on an adjoining property where young children could be seen very distressed and frantically trying to escape along with adults. Swiftly the crew removed the window and pulled the occupants (approx 16) plus a dog, out onto the roof and in with them. Helicopters were by this time hovering around airlifting people from properties around. By this point the water was up to first floor level, a raging torrent, vehicles were being swept down the road, trees, debris and some buildings collapsing! My husband said that it was at this point he feared for all their lives as the floor beneath their feet was shaking. Thankfully, all 34 people in the room plus all six fire fighters were rescued by the helicopter crews, and as far as we are aware to this point no one lost their life, which was a miracle.

Since, he has been on numerous news channels, in papers hailed a hero, although he doesn’t like being called that as he looks at it as his job, and met Prince Charles! I have told him to be careful, and not to get too big for his wellies!!

Just another day? Hope I never have another one like that again! And I’m certain both my hubby and the people of Boscastle agree too!!

Story by Helen Saltern
Pictures by Richard Bluett

© Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and Queen's Printer for Scotland
Source Cabinet Office

 In recognition of the work of the Emergency Services

The Prime Minister and Mrs Blair request the honour of the company of Mr Mark Saltern at a Reception at 10 Downing Street , Whitehall on Monday 13 December 2004, from 6.30pm to 8.00pm.

200 guests have been invited – with names suggested by the Departments of Health and Transport, the Office of the deputy Prime Minister, DEFRA and the Home Office.

I still cannot believe that I actually received such an invite, I still remember the moment when I was informed about the invitation by a senior member of the brigade, I couldn't believe it then and here I am standing at the door of number 10 Downing Street, still in disbelief! After a five hour jaunt by train, which I have to say, was surprisingly on time, and then a swift black cab ride to the gates by a very chatty cabbie, I found myself going through security, very similar to an airport, and now standing at the black door to the Prime Minister's home, wow! I got chatting to another invitee who had a camera “would you take my picture” he asked “If you'll take mine” I replied, we both laughed and relished in the moment of posing in front of the famous door.

The door opened and we were invited inside where we were asked to leave any mobile phones and cameras in a shelving unit to the side. We strolled down the impressive hallway to the end were a large table was laid out with 200 name tags. I was passed my name tag and immediately noticed I had an additional orange sticker on mine, this was explained a few minutes later when I was asked to remain in the hallway for further instruction. Now panic would have set in at this stage had it not been for the fact that there were now another nine people in the same position. We were finally asked to follow a member of the staff into another reception room on the first floor where wine was passed around and I shared idle chit chat with the others, now I could get used to this! It was not long before the Prime Minister, Tony Blair came into the room and shook our hands, we were then led one at a time over to Tony (on first names now!) where we had our picture taken in front of the famous fireplace, as you can see from the photograph. I talked about Boscastle and how my crew and I had been first on scene and mentioned how all the emergency services and agencies pulled together at Boscastle preventing what could have been a large loss of life. Mr Blair asked me to convey his thanks to the Cornwall County Fire brigade for a job well done.

Soon the doors to the adjoining reception room were opened creating one large room and we joined the rest of the invitees along with other ministers like John Prescott, David Blunkett and his guide dog, who I had the privilege to chat to ( Mr Blunkett that is), again discussing the incident at Boscastle, its familiarity with the Lynmouth disaster and his amazement that no lives were lost at Boscastle. I met a selection of other fire-fighters from all over the country, including whole-time and retained, along with members of the Ambulance services, Police, Coastguards, RSPCA, Council staff, Air Crews involved and Salvation Army, who I thanked for their support in Cornwall during the Boscastle floods, telling them how pleased we all were that they were there to help feed us all! I had a quick chat with Mrs Blair, not that I'm name dropping! And then Mr Blair made his way up to a podium to address the reception and again offer praise to all those present and the emergency services and agencies in general.

Before long, it was all too soon to leave the reception and begin my trek back to Cornwall . Another black cab ride to Paddington and onto the train west. Feeling tired but still elated, I thought I'd try and get a little shut eye, when I was approached by the ticket officer who offered me a seat in first class where a hot complimentary coffee was presented to me along with a paper. Think it might have been something to do with the dress uniform I was wearing!

Well, what can I say, an experience I will never forget, a bit like the Boscastle event itself!

Stn/O Mark Saltern
7.2 Delabole

The New Mercedes has arrived

Delabole drivers are at present in the process of training for the new appliance
which is due some time in November. the new appliance is a
Mercedes Atego and is slightly wider and longer than the old one.

 
Firefighter Simon Hunt

Ff Simon Hunt who joined the station in January
being put through his paces on the drill ground.

Firefighter Bob Heggan

Firefighter Bob (Aussie) Heggan is leaving station 7.2 at Delabole and Cornwall County Fire Brigade to return to the warmth of "Down Under". whether Bob will be taking his surf board or buying a new one we haven't been able to find out.
He will be missed by his mates at the Fire Station and those who know him. He is pictured with the crew being presented with a statuette of a fireman by Station Officer Mark Saltern

FireFighter Geoff Cleave Retires

On Friday the 3rd August the lads and their partners gathered once again at The Setters Restaurant, Delabole for the retirement party for Fire Fighter Geoff Cleave.

StnO Mark Saltern, Geoff Cleave and ADO Brian Crowle	DO Kevin Marshall, Geoff Cleave and ADO Brian Crowle
Geoff has served the Delabole Fire Station for 20 years and will be a much missed member of the crew. Unable to attend were Steve Fitzpatrick (past fire fighter) and Andy Barrett (Stn/O from Bodmin). Also unable to attend was the usual photographer David Stacey but the evening was saved by a budding new snapper by the name of Chris Hore (former fire fighter) with all his latest technical equipment, namely a digital camera, sadly he still needs to practise using it as the photos were reported to have had more takes than a Universal Pictures Production! Some lame excuses used by Chris were that some of the clothing worn was too dark! Speeches were made by Stn/O Saltern, ADO Brian Crowle, DO Kevin Marshall and Geoff Cleave himself. Prior to the speeches being done and while everyone was enjoying their main course the peace was shattered by the sounding of the alerters! A quick exit was made by the duty crews, while the remainder continued to enjoy their meal! The crews had been called to a report of a vehicle leaking fuel at Boscastle. Crews stopped the leak and hosed the road down( probably done in record time ) and returned to their main course within the hour. All speeches praised Geoff Cleave on his faultless record and Geoff's speech was certainly touching to many who attended. Geoff was presented with a certificate for twenty years service by ADO Brian Crowle, a hand painted statue of a fire fighter and Sandra (Geoff's wife) was presented with a large bunch of flowers. A good evening was had by all and all the crew are now awaiting the results of budding David Baileys photos!
Geoff and his Wife Sandra	Kevin Marshall says a few words

by Official Website Fire Brigade Correspondent

 

New Firefighter at Delabole Station

2001 saw another recruit at Delabole Fire Station, Clyde Ferguson has joined the ranks of Delabole Retained Firefighters.
Ff. Clyde works at Luggs Garage say hello if you see him there.
You may also have come across his Dad, Graham, who is a paramedic working out of Camelford Ambulance Station.

I'm also told that Clyde has a keen interest in Camels!!

 

15 Years Service

Station Officer Saltern completed 15 years service at the end of October 2001. Ff Bluettwill complete his 15 years of service at the end of November 2001.
Recruiting is currently being undertaken at Delabole Fire Station there at present two possibles. Only one is attending the fitness test, the other was unable to attend due toa surfing injury (good start!).

 

Fire Station Car Boot Sale

On Wednesday August the 25th the Fire Brigade held another car boot sale in aid of the Fire Brigade Benevolent Fund. The usual car boots were supplemented by a bouncy castle, various games including 'Wheel of Fortune', Horse Racing, Hoopla and of course the Bar-B-Q. There were also various stalls inside the station and the ladies were serving tea and cake.

Sub Officer Ken Goodman and visitors	Delabole's No1 Appliance the Mercedes Atego
Locals and Visitors at the Car boot Sale	Stall holders begin to start business