On Saturday 26th fire crews were called at 10.36 am to assist police when a body was found in the river off The Embankment (near the Suspension Bridge). Firefighters are equipped and trained to deal with water rescues or recovery situations. They have special protective dry suits and equipment to assist in rescues in or around the water's edge. In this case crews were involved in assisting police to secure the body at the scene.
On Sunday 27th two crews from Bedfordshire and Luton went to assist colleagues from Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service when a woman was hit by a train on the line south of Cheddington rail station. The train
station is close to the county border and the fire services were there in support of British Transport Police. The death will now be a matter for a Coroner.
Later on Sunday BLFRS received a call at 23.28 from the ambulance service to assist with a road traffic accident where a vehicle had hit a tree in Lowther Road, Dunstable. Firefighters worked with paramedics
to aid the injured and release them from the vehicle. Two male casualties were sent to hospital. A third person died. Police and the Coroner will continue investigations.
Chief Fire Officer Paul Fuller said: "Dealing with incidents such as these is difficult for those in the emergency services at all times of year. But in a season which is about celebration, it is even more difficult - our thoughts are with the families of those who have been lost as a result of these incidents."
At Tutor Court in Water Lane, Leighton Buzzard a woman in her 80s raised the alarm at 17.44 on Sunday 27th when fire broke out in a ventilator unit along the corridor from her flat. She rang 999 to warn the fire service - who were already on their way as a result of an automatic fire alarm system at the property. A member of the fire control talked to the lady as the incident was being dealt with, giving her advice on staying safe.
The smoking ventilator was dealt with quickly and no one had to be rescued or removed from the property.
Fire call Christmas Day at 00.30 (12.30 am) to a fire in Oakley Road, Luton. At 00.40 it was believed that people may be in the property - but this was found NOT to be the case as the property was empty.
Crews from Luton and Dunstable attended to deal with the fire in the roof of the bungalow which spread quickly and the building was badly damaged. Gas and electric services were called to assist in making the property
safe.
Fire crews stayed at the scene throughout the night and into Christmas morning to make sure there was no re-ignition of debris in and around the property.