Ten extra rescue boats had been summoned from other fire and rescue services, along with an additional 50 personnel to join the 50 already deployed by the West Yorkshire brigade.
ACO Walton, who oversaw rescue efforts, said: “It’s what I would describe as an extraordinary and unprecedented level of demand, the likes of which we have not seen for many years.”
This along with a building fire within the flooded areas of Kirkstall road causing problems due to difficult access. Five pumps attended the incident along with a Logistics support unit from Odsal.
The fire was in a vehicle workshop with 2 cars alight inside the building. All this unfolded as images were being taken of the flooded area around Kirkstall viaduct near Willow Road.
Fire crews had to wear dry suits to access the incident due to the flood water. From over the road you could hear the crews trying to gain access to the buildings and check for the fire. Burglar alarms could be heard as each new property was accessed. Crews used 1 small jet and 1 Large jet to deal with the fire. Appliances from Leeds, Hunslet, Odsal, Huddersfield, Fairweather Green and Cookridge attended.
Smoke could be seen coming from the roof of the building, which took around 2 Hours to extinguish
Many strange items passed by as the flooded river Aire collected various items along it's way. A three seater sofa, Wheelie bins, Garden sheds, rubbish sacks and finally three men in a boat. These were students floating by in an inflatable, bystanders cheered as the craft went passed. There was a strong smell of diesel fuel as the Shell petrol station had also been flooded.
This image shows an overview of the location with the building
(Volvo workshops) fire and the flooded are surrounding the scene.
This image shows an overview of the location with the building
(Volvo workshops) fire and the flooded are surrounding the scene.
