Barge floats downstream with Firefighter on board during Elland Floods

Severe flooding has been caused in Elland with rescues being carried out by the Fire and Police services. The river Calder swept across into the Calder and Hebble canal which in turn flooded Park road in Elland trapping home owners as the flood waters increased in depth. A van was swept from a car park ending up in the middle of the fast running water. 

A fire crew from Cleckheaton attempted to secure a couple of barges that were on the canal and were coming loose from their moorings. One of the barges was occupied and during the process came loose from its moorings with a member of fire crew aboard.

Both barges flowed down stream and fire crews were able to secure the occupied barge lower down with the help of ropes.. The owner although spoken to by the fire service and Police decided to stay put on board and not leave his half stricken vessel. 

At the Lower end of Park road at Elland Bridge fire crews maintained a presence and 2 rescue boats were brought in to assist in the rescues. Some occupiers wished to remain in there homes, and refused rescue. 

Crowds of people watched from Elland Bridge as the water continued to deluge across the area. Many people could not believe the damage that it has caused, Car parks and businesses were also flooded out but and beyond saving.

Water levels are reducing at present around the Elland area but with still more rain forecast along with high winds this could be only a temporary time of reprieve for the areas affected today.

Video from the Boat Rescue

Picture special as flooding hits Yorkshire Calder valley

Quick update.... 3 incidents today in West Yorkshire

Bradford Firefighters find Cannabis Factory

Two crews from Bradford fire station were called to a house in Dudley Street, off Dick Lane,Tyersal, at around 4am today 25/02/14.
The fire broke out in the loft and crews soon discovered it had been sparked by electrical equipment servicing a cannabis growing operation. Police were asked to attend the scene. Bradford Crew Commander Collins said the roof joists and other items in the loft had been burning. He said: “Most of the damage is to the roof, so the roof will probably need replacing". No adjoining properties had been affected, and no-one had been hurt.

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Elderly man in Elland House Fire Drama
Fire crews from Brighouse and Elland were called to a terraced home in Park Road, Elland just after 8am today 25/02/14.
It is understood Mr Cresswell the occupier was in bed at the time. He was awoken by his smoke detectors going off. 

Watch Commander Johnstone, of Brighouse Fire Station, said Mr Cresswell  had put out the flames himself. Mr Cresswell called the fire service and got dressed before leaving the smoke-filled house. He was taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation.
Fire damage was limited to the heater and a table it was standing on,
upstairs was heavily smoke-logged and the house was cleared with special high-powered fans.


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Firefighters rescue three people from an overturned van after collision
Two crews from Wakefield Fire Station were called to the Road Traffic Collision on Durkar Low Lane just after 9am today 25/02/14.
A Ford Transit and a Jaguar car had collided near to Broadlands Farm.
A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said no one was seriously injured however 3 people were trapped. Extrication was carried out by fire service personnel and casualties then transferred to hospital by ambulance.