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This message indicates that two fire engines are required and they are to respond to a house fire where persons are believed to be trapped inside.
The adrenaline that was generated as a result of the turnout now kicks in, firefighters almost explode into action and heave on the large brass handles of the heavy oak doors at the front of the station.
They open easily as they have done so many times before, almost demonstrating that they appreciate the urgent need to allow the engines out. “Crash” the doors hit the stops, they are open and the way is clear for each of the thirteen tonne vehicles to commence their race to the scene of the emergency. The sound of vehicle engines roaring into life, coupled with the hasty activity of donning fire kit, by the crew members prior to mounting the engines adds to the familiar, but urgent nature of the turn out.
On board and ready to go, the driver takes a hasty look in both mirrors, a glance over his shoulder to confirm all vehicle doors are closed and the crew are on board and seated and shouts we’re off. We are the first engine to leave the station and will act as pathfinder through the traffic.
As we pull out of the station, although I am kitted from head to foot in my fire gear, I still need to don my BA set. This is a difficult task when being thrown from side to side as the driver negotiates a route around and between both stationary and moving road users.
The sirens cause heads to turn as we proceed through the city streets. Brockdish Road is about seven to eight minutes away on a good day. The traffic however, at this time of the morning is heavy and each one of the crew members is anxiously looking through the large front screen, almost willing the congested path ahead to clear.
I look across to see how my BA partner is doing with her set, it is vital we are both ready before we arrive. When wearing BA, firefighters always work in teams of at least two and adhere to strict procedures for reasons of safety. We still have about a minute to run before we reach Brockdish Road, when a radio message from Brigade Control confirms that two people are trapped in an upstairs bedroom.
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Riders Today
Norwich 4 (Fire Engine)
Crew Commander - Station Manager Bridge
Driver - Firefighter Brundell
Breathing Apparatus
Wearers - Firefighter’s Clarke and Jones
Breathing Apparatus
Control Operator - Firefighter Cropley
Norwich 5 (Fire Engine)
Crew Commander - Watch Manager Moore
Driver - Firefighter Cassidy
Breathing Apparatus
Wearers - Firefighter’s Bryant and Greentree
Breathing Apparatus
Control Operator - Firefighter Beauchamp
Norwich 7 (Emergency Tender)
Crew Commander - Crew Manager Brown
Driver - Firefighter Newberry
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