Wednesday turned into quite a busy day for us. Earlier we had the gas leak following an RTC and, at 4.30pm, another shout. This time it was for a fire on a boat but the boat was on dry land.
We tipped out in the ERT to Harbour Road in Oulton Broad to the International Boatbuilding Training Centre. Blue Watch were coming from the other end of town and we committed to the incident a few minutes ahead of them (is this how things might be when they move south of the river later this year?).
The boat was about 20 feet long and was well alight in the small wheelhouse. The hosereel was run out with me following behind with two lengths of 45 and a branch. Those that had been renovating the boat were 'pretty sure' that all cylinders had been removed. However, as the flames were beaten back it was clear to see that one had been left behind – a 45kg Propane cylinder. The 45 was hung over the side of the boat as an improvised monitor to cool the cylinder.
We then set the LPP into the river to feed the 'monitor' directly, giving it a good cooling jet.
Job done. Back to Normanshurst and wait till the night Watch came on duty at 6pm and then home for tea…
Busy old station…