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Tilehurst firefighters step in after pump failure in Purley floodwaters





Watch manager Steve Trenery, of Blue Watch at Dee Road Fire Station, Tilehurst, said three fire engines were called out to Purley, to assist the Environment Agency (EA) throughout the night in pumping water back to the River Thames, to protect further households from flooding.
Firefighters were called to the scene after an EA pump broke down, leaving only two other pumps working.
EA officers then travelled through the night to collect a replacement pump. This was installed by the early hours of this morning (Tuesday), when the situation was back under control.
“I would like to say a big thank you to the members of public who continue to support the fire service and other agencies, supplying tea and coffee and generally showing their appreciation to us,” said Mr Trenery, who continued:
“The fire service is extremely busy at the moment and the warm reception given to us by the members of public when we arrive is amazing, considering the stress they are personally dealing with.”
Mr Trenery added the following safety message about flood water: keep youngsters away from flood water - especially over the half term holiday; and do not drive through flood water.
He also issued a reminder about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, if using pumping equipment, generators, or fuel heaters:
“Carbon monoxide is a colourless and odourless lethal gas, given off within the exhaust gases. All appliances not designed to be used inside a dwelling, for instance petrol generators, should stay outside in the fresh air to ventilate the fumes,” he added.



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