Hose coiling drills at Tonbridge

Matfield personnel went over to Tonbridge drill yard on Thursday night for training on hose coiling, an effective way of taking larger lengths of hosing into confined spaces. Breathing apparatus wearers were committed to the fire house with an entry control point set up to simulate a real life situation.

Containers alight, Banbridges, East Peckham

Due to confined firefighting conditions, fire spread through several containers used as offices and storage in East Peckham on Saturday evening/Sunday morning. Bleepers went off at around 9.30pm and Paddock Wood were first on scene followed by Matfield. Matfield's appliance pumped water from the hydrant and as fire spread Tonbridge rescue pump ladder and retained unit arrived along with Maidstone, Strood and Sevenoaks and an incident command unit. Urban Search and Rescue (USAR unit, above) specialist team were deployed to cut into containers where fire could not be accessed. Police closed the road at the back of Somerfield and by 3am Rusthall and Larkfield arrived to provide relief and continue damping down.

Matfield Village Fete

Matfield fire station will be at the village fete today to promote fire safety and answer questions. A good chance for kids (or mums and dads!) to sit in the back of the fire engine and meet us.