Firefighters praised during a demanding summer
Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue ServiceOn-call firefighters have been praised for their dedication during a demanding summer period, including travelling to assist a major incident in a neighbouring county.
Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service said crews from 24 stations responded to a range of incidents including field fires, a caravan fire and a wildfire at Holme Fen Nature Reserve, near Peterborough.
Group commander Paul Oliver said its firefighters were a "vital part of the emergency response" it provided.
"They have altered personal plans, stepped up their availability and worked tirelessly to keep fire engines available and ready to respond," he said.
"Their commitment, professionalism and flexibility have been invaluable, and we are incredibly grateful for everything they have done."
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The fire service said demand for support had been increasing and that it was called to more than 120 incidents between 24 and 27 July, about a quarter more than for the same dates in the past three years.
Cambridgeshire crews supported the response to the Dunwich Heath fire in Suffolk after 371 acres of heathland (150 hectares) went up in flames on 29 July.
On Friday and throughout the weekend, two on-call crews from the county helped with fire cover each day, the fire service added.
It urged people to join their local station as the service faced ongoing challenges in maintaining emergency response cover.
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