Matfield Shouts

Standby at Tunbridge Wells, Saturday evening

2011-05-16T16:07:00.000+01:00

Matfield were called to standby with Tonbridge's retained unit at Tunbridge Wells fire station on Saturday night due to a shed fire and road traffic collision in the Tunbridge Wells area. We arrived at approximately 22.30hr and just after midnight, although Tonbridge stayed on to man the station.

Football Pavilion fire at Cinderhill, Matfield

2011-05-07T22:17:00.000+01:00

Matfield were called out at 20.15 this evening to black smoke seen at Cinder Hill. On arrival the football pavilion was engulfed in flames and within minutes completely destroyed. Paddock Wood also attended to extinguish the fire and make the area safe an hour and a half later.

Shed Alight, Beagles Wood Road, Pembury

2011-04-26T06:28:00.000+01:00

Retained units from both Matfield and Tunbridge Wells were called out to reports of a shed alight in Pembury at around 18.30hrs on Monday evening. Matfield were first in attendance where the shed was fully engulfed in flames and minutes away from catching light to the house due to it's close proximity. We used an extended hose reel to access the fire down an alley and deployed a main delivery to bring the fire under control. The flank wall of the house was red hot and UPVC window frames, soffits and fascias had started to pyrolise before the flames were extinguished. Residents in Beagles Wood Road had to wait just under an hour for road access in and out of the cul de sac.

Smoke Issuing from oven in Pembury, Sunday evening

2011-04-26T06:13:00.000+01:00

Matfield and Tunbridge Wells rescue ladder were called out to smoke issuing from an oven at Sandhurst Avenue in Pembury on Sunday evening at around 21.15hrs. The incident turned out to be minor.

Person trapped in bathroom, Cryals Road

2011-04-11T09:23:00.000+01:00

Matfield were called out at approx 19.30hrs on Sunday evening to calls of a person trapped in bathroom. A small jemmy bar was used to prize the door open and free the person, who was unharmed.

Fires in Field, Queens Street, Paddock Wood

2011-04-10T10:15:00.001+01:00

The bleeper went of at approx 02.30hrs this morning for what came through as "fire in a field" at Queens Street. Paddock Wood were first in attendance for a small storage facility fully engulfed in flames along with a separate container at the other side of the field off Wagon Lane also alight. The two fires completely destroyed the storage units and contents with at least crews from Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall also attending and a water unit from Larkfield to provide extra water. Returned to Matfield at around 04:50hrs.

Two Incidents on Sunday

2011-03-28T09:15:00.000+01:00

Paddock Wood and Matfield were called out to an AFA at Mack Multiples on the Transfesa estate on Sunday morning at around 08:30hrs where no fire was found.

At 19:36 bleepers went of again with a caller reporting an RTC persons trapped and car alight on the A21 between Kippings Cross and Lamberhurst with Tunbridge Wells rescue ladder and retained unit also attending. Fortunately the person that had been reported trapped had managed to get out of the car and the car fire was easily dealt with.

Seperately, and not an incident that was attended by Kent Fire and Rescue Service, a motor vehicle collided with a brick wall on the Brenchley Road outside Swingle Swangle Cottages by Goshen Farm between 7 and 8 in the morning heading towards Matfield causing extensive damage to the wall and car. The female driver was shocked but unhurt.

Call to smoke issuing from the rear of house in Horsmonden at 03:00hrs

2011-03-23T06:45:00.001Z

Matfield and Marden were sent out at 03:00 after a resident reported seeing a plume of smoke from the rear of a house close to the green in Horsmonden in the early hours of this morning. Matfield were the first to arrive rigged up with breathing apparatus however after a lengthy search of the surrounding roads and properties, the smell of fire was found to be the result of a bonfire at the rear of the village hall.

Recent Activity including Chimney fire at the Star & Eagle, Goudhurst

2011-03-20T19:50:00.000Z

Most of Matfield's recent activity has come from AFAs including one at Camden Court this week and one at Sprivers this evening where a stop message was returned to control by another crew before we arrived.

We were also mobilised to a chimney fire at the Star & Eagle pub in Goudhurst along with Cranbrook early on Saturday evening which was dealt with quickly and safely.

AFA, Transfesa, Paddock Wood

2011-02-01T05:06:00.000Z

We were tipped out to an AFA at Transfesa at around 04:30hrs this morning. Paddock Wood returned a quick stop message as we were en route so turned around.

AFA, Chalket Lane, Wednesday morning

2011-01-28T00:21:00.002Z

We were called out to an AFA at Chalket Lane, Pembury at 23.39hrs this evening. No fire was found. Tunbridge Wells also in attendance.

AFA, Bayham Abbey, Wednesday morning

2011-01-20T09:11:00.000Z

Matfield were called out at approx 3am on Wednesday morning to an alarm sounding at Bayham Abbey. A stop message was sent to control by another crew at the scene as no fire was found. I could not see which other crew was in attendance as we sat outside the perimeter.

AFA, Dowding House, Commercial Road, Paddock Wood

2010-12-12T13:08:00.000Z

Matfield were tipped out to an AFA at Dowding House on Commercial Road at around 18.45hrs last night. No fire was found.

Telegraph pole in road on Maidstone Rd, Matfield

2010-12-06T22:11:00.002Z

Matfield and Paddock Wood were called too the scene of an accident at around 20.40hrs this evening where a car had left the road and knocked down a telegraph pole and cabling on the Maidstone Road between the fire station and Coppers Lane. A male was apprehended by police and the road closed by police until the arrival of BT to secure the area.

House Fire, Commercial Road, Paddock Wood

2010-11-27T22:42:00.004Z

Matfield and Paddock Wood were turned out to a house fire in Commercial Road in Paddock Wood at around 21:00hrs this evening. The fire had been extinguished before both crews had arrived, however oxygen was administered to a 91 year old male who was evacuated from the property. An ambulance crew arrived to take care of the casualty who was suffering from smoke inhalation as we left the property.

Fuel Spillage after RTC on Goudhurst Road, Horsmonden

2010-11-27T05:26:00.004Z

We were the only appliance called out to a fuel spillage at around 04:00hrs today after a driver lost control of their car between Horsmonden Village and Noakes Cold Stores. Police and paramedics also attended the scene and locals witnessed the occupants of the vehicle fleeing the scene before services arrived.

Standby at Tunbridge Wells

2010-11-26T01:07:00.003Z

Matfield were called to standby at Tunbridge Wells at 0030 hours this morning but were turned around en route.

Gas Leak, Henwood Green Road, Pembury

2010-11-24T18:09:00.001Z

Matfield were called to a gas leak on Henwood Green Road last night at around 21.45hrs. I did not ride on this one so have no further information on the incident.

Fire in field near Halfway House

2010-11-23T07:31:00.001Z

Matfield were called out just before 20:00 hrs last night to reports of a fire in a field by a member of the public which turned out to be controlled burning.

Saturday evening and Sunday morning

2010-11-07T12:31:00.002Z

Matfield joined the Police and an ambulance crew at Lamberhurst fireworks display between 17.00hrs and 19.30hrs on Saturday evening. Organisers put on a wonderful display of fireworks and lit the beacon in Lamberhurst Quarter on the green by the Swan public house.

On Sunday morning Matfield and Cranbrook were called to an automated fire alarm at Bedgebury School in Goudhurst at around 01.30hrs. Access was hindered initially by electric gates, however no fire was found at the site. We returned to Matfield at around 02.30hrs

Fire in field near Halfway House

2010-11-02T18:30:00.002Z

Matfield were called to a fire in a field close to the Halfway House pub this evening at around 17.45hrs. The fire turned out to be controlled burning at a private residence which had been seen by a passing member of the public from Horsmonden Road.

AFA, 3663 depot, Paddock Wood

2010-11-01T07:45:00.002Z

Matfield and Paddock Wood were called to an AFA at the 3663 depot on Transfesa at around 01.30hrs this morning which turned out to be a routine fire drill.

AFA, Camden Court, Chalket Lane, Pembury

2010-10-30T09:36:00.002+01:00

As I have been away throughout October, activity has not been updated on the blog but Matfield were called out three times including a standby at Edenbridge last week.

Last night we were called out to Camden Court at around 22.50hrs but no fire was found.

Tunbridge Wells standby

2010-09-29T21:51:00.002+01:00

Matfield were called to standby at Tunbridge Wells at around 20.50hrs this evening after the whole time and retained units were called to an incident at Frant Lakes. Cranbrook joined us at Tunbridge Wells shortly after and control sent us back to Matfield shortly after 21.15hrs which meant that we missed our usual Wednesday night football match against Paddock Wood at Mascalls!

Standby at Tunbridge Wells

2010-09-27T07:32:00.002+01:00

Matfield were called to standby at Tunbridge Wells at about 11.00hrs on Sunday morning although we were turned round en route. Availability of the Tunbridge Wells retained unit has decreased recently which means this was the second standby request we have had for Tunbridge Wells recently.

Stubble Alight, Churn Lane, Horsmonden

2010-09-27T07:31:00.001+01:00

Matfield were the only appliance sent out to reports of stubble alight in Horsmonden. I was on last reserve so did not ride.

Smoke Alarm Sounding, Mount Pleasant, Paddock Wood

2010-09-21T11:14:00.001+01:00

Bleepers went off just before 20.00hrs last night for a smoke alarm sounding in a private residence in Paddock Wood. Paddock Wood were first at the property and a stop message was quickly relayed back to control just before we arrived at the scene.

Standby Tunbridge Wells Saturday morning

2010-09-18T12:54:00.003+01:00

A crew of five from Matfield went to standby at Tunbridge Wells fire station this morning between 10.00 and 12.35hrs due to a fire in a commercial premises in Holden Park Road, Southborough.

AFA, Camden Court, Chalket Lane, Pembury

2010-09-11T21:14:00.003+01:00

Matfield and Tunbridge Wells (rescue ladder) were called to an AFA at 2100hrs last night although no fire was found.

AFA, Mack Multiples, Paddock Wood

2010-09-06T00:09:00.001+01:00

Matfield and Paddock Wood were called out to an AFA at Mack Multiples for a second time tonight just after 23.00hrs. No fire was found.

AFA, Mack Multiples, Paddock Wood

2010-09-05T21:33:00.001+01:00

Matfield, Paddock Wood and Tunbridge Wells were called to an AFA at Macks on the Transfesa estate at around 19.50hrs this evening. No fire was found so quickly back to base.

AFA, Camden Court, Chalket Lane, Pembury

2010-08-18T07:12:00.004+01:00

Matfield and Tunbridge Wells (rescue ladder) were called to an AFA at 0200hrs today although no fire was found.

Shed Fire at the Hop Farm this evening

2010-08-15T19:02:00.003+01:00

Paddock Wood, Matfield and Tunbridge Wells were called out to a shed fire in an open field on one of the campsites at the Hop Farm. Water was used from all three pumps to extinguish and damp down. The timber building was completely destroyed and no one was injured.

AFA, British Car Auctions, Paddock Wood

2010-07-30T09:13:00.003+01:00

Matfield and Paddock Wood were mobilised to an alarm sounding at British Car Auctions in Paddock Wood at 04.00 this morning. No fire was found.

AFA, Camden Court, Pembury

2010-07-24T09:46:00.001+01:00

Matfield were called to an AFA at Camden Court at around 23.30 last night. I did not ride on this one as I was reserve.

Matfield Village Fete, Saturday 17th July

2010-07-15T23:36:00.001+01:00

We will be at Matfield Village fete this Saturday afternoon from 1pm for people to come and look around the fire engine and meet some of the firemen.

BA training at Tonbridge

2010-07-15T23:29:00.001+01:00

On Thursday evening Matfield went to Tonbridge for breathing apparatus training where the brief was to conduct search and rescue of a casualty from a confined space. The scenario here was that once the casualty had been found in a building, collapse would hinder the exit where BA cylinders and backplates were taken off and passed through a hole in the collapse along with the casualty to carry on with the task and complete the drill.

Houses and Flats Alight, High Street, Staplehurst

2010-07-14T10:22:00.002+01:00

Matfield and Paddock Wood were called to standby at Marden fire station at around 03.30hrs this morning after Marden were called to a fire at flats on Staplehurst High Street. Initially the incident was reported as 'persons reported missing' however there turned out to be no life at risk. When the fire spread to a neighbouring terrace of houses, Matfield and Paddock Wood were called to the incident where we added to a string of BA crews which were deployed into the terrace to locate and extinguish the fire, a task made difficult due to the unusual and historic design of the building with hidden cavities. By around 0800hrs the fire had been extinguished. In terms of resources, I saw two Maidstone pumps, Marden, ourselves and Paddock Wood, Sittingbourne and Lenham, a reserve tender, a skylift to fight the fire from above, a water tender and incident support and command units. Police and paramedics were also at the scene and the High Street was completely closed.

Fire in road, Knowle Road, Brenchley

2010-07-14T10:20:00.003+01:00

Matfield were sent out to look at what turned out to be rubbish which had been dumped in the middle of the road at 01.15 hrs on Wednesday which turned out to be smouldering.

Rubbish Alight, Lucks Lane, Paddock Wood

2010-07-11T21:37:00.002+01:00

Bleeper went off at about 20.15hrs this evening for some rubbish alight in a field in Lucks Lane - what looked like the discarded unwanteds from a boot fair.

We were also in attendance for two AFAs last night at 12.15 and roughly 04.15 this morning at Sprivers, Horsmonden and East Barn, Farm Lane, Lamberhurst.

We will also be at Matfield village fete next Saturday afternoon for people to come and chat and have a look around the fire engine.

Van Alight, Tong Lane, Brenchley

2010-07-02T00:30:00.000+01:00

Matfield were the only appliance in attendance for an abandoned van ablaze at the Goudhurst end of Tong Lane this evening. The van, a transit, was completely destroyed by the fire.

AFA, Camden Court, Pembury

2010-06-30T05:09:00.001+01:00

Bleepers went of at 03.27hrs this morning for an AFA at Camden Court which Tunbridge Wells also turned out to. Quick stop message sent to control as no fire was found.

Horsmonden School Fete and Weekend Training

2010-06-25T14:35:00.003+01:00

We will be at Horsmonden School's annual summer fete tomorrow which is a great opportunity for the kids to come and have a look around the fire engine and see what we do. The fete starts at 12.00hrs and finishes around 16.00hrs.

We also have three firefighters that will be doing breathing apparatus fire training at RAF Manston in the hot house which will be live fire training - and tomorrow is predicted to be one of the hottest days of the year so far!!

AFA, Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst

2010-06-24T08:44:00.003+01:00

Bleepers went off at 3.27 this morning for an automated fire alarm sounding at Scotney Castle. Wadhurst from East Sussex and Matfield attended although there was no fire found.

Rubbish Alight, Tong Lane, Brenchley

2010-06-19T12:30:00.002+01:00

Alerters went off again at around 23.15 hours for the second shout of the evening for rubbish reportedly alight on Tong Lane, Brenchley. I didn't ride this one as I was reserve.

RTC Persons trapped - Five Oak Green roundabout

2010-06-19T12:24:00.002+01:00

Emergency services which included Matfield, Paddock Wood and Tunbridge Wells rescue pump ladder attended an RTC with persons reported at around 2110 hours on Friday evening. The roof was cut from a car which had left the road and collided with a tree - all crews were fully involved to free one female passenger for ambulance crews. Returned back to Matfield about an hour later.

Drill night shout - Smoke alarm Camden Court, Pembury

2010-06-19T12:16:00.003+01:00

Whilst on station Thursday evening we were called out to the smoke alarm sounding at Camden Court, Pembury. Tunbridge Wells also attended but no fire was found.

Friday Evening AFA

2010-06-13T10:07:00.001+01:00

Matfield were called out to a smoke alarm sounding in Paddock Wood at around 21.00hrs on Friday evening. No fire was found.

Car Alight in driveway, East Peckham

2010-06-03T09:38:00.003+01:00

Matfield and Paddock Wood were called out at 01.14hrs this morning to a luxury car alight in a driveway in East Peckham. The fire was treated as suspicious and police were also at the scene. Owners had tried to save the car with a garden hose however the car was completely destroyed by the time we arrived.

Woods Alight at Marshley Harbour Woods, Pembury

2010-05-04T09:35:00.003+01:00

I was not on call yesterday but Matfield were called out to woods alight at Marshley Harbour Woods, Pembury. No other information at this stage, bleeper time was at 16.51hrs.

Chimney Alight, School House Lane, Horsmonden

2010-05-02T21:18:00.002+01:00

We were called out at 19.20 this evening to a chimney alight at an address in Horsmonden. This was a small fire, fairly easily dealt with and we returned to base an hour after leaving.

'Cooker Alight' and 'Cigarette on Sofa' in Paddock Wood

2010-05-02T05:27:00.002+01:00

Two seperate shouts, the first was on Friday evening at around 19.10 reporting a cooker alight and the second at 4.50 on Sunday morning at Bowles Place, Paddock Wood. Both attended by Matfield and Paddock Wood and neither developed into serious incidents.

Paddock Wood and Marden were also called out as relief crews for the large fire in Aylesford yesterday afternoon and although Matfield were available, we were not used.

AFA, Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst

2010-04-17T04:46:00.000+01:00

Matfield and Wadhurst were called out to an automated fire alarm at Scotney Castle just off the A21 at Lamberhurst at 03.31hrs. An alarm panel was sounding in the basement of the house but no fire was found.

Police assistance at RTC in Lamberhurst

2010-04-10T07:35:00.002+01:00

Matfield were called to assist the police at an RTC involving two vehicles with a report of leaking fuel just before 20.00hrs on Friday evening. No danger was found and we returned to base immediately.

Two firefighters killed tackling a fire at a high-rise block of flats in Southampton

2010-04-07T12:23:00.004+01:00

Our thoughts and prayers at Matfield go out to the families, friends and colleagues of firefighters James Shears and Alan Bannon who tragically lost their lives in a flat fire in Southampton last night.

AFA, Commercial Road, Paddock Wood

2010-03-29T08:18:00.001+01:00

Paddock Wood and Matfield turned out to an AFA on Sunday evening in Commercial Road, Paddock Wood at 20.04hrs - no fire was found.

RTC, Church Road, Paddock Wood

2010-03-25T12:13:00.002Z

Bleepers went off at around 20.15 on Wednesday to reports of an RTC persons trapped - Paddock Wood also attended. The call turned out to be more reassurance as no one involved required fire and rescue service assistance to be removed from the vehicle which had dissapeared through a hedge on a corner near Waitrose.

Chimney Alight, Gun and Spitroast Pub, Horsmonden

2010-03-13T09:21:00.000Z

Matfield were called out to the Gun and Spitroast pub in Horsmonden around 19.15hrs on Friday. I did not ride but Matfield were the only appliance in attendance.

Rose & Crown Pub, East Peckham second call out

2010-03-12T09:33:00.003Z

Paddock Wood and Matfield were called out to the Rose and Crown pub in East Peckham again at around 3am Thursday morning. Two small seats of fire were found inside the building which were extinguished by one BA crew - we remained at the scene for about to and a half hours due to the suspicious nature of the incident.

Four AFAs in 24 hours over Sunday and Monday morning

2010-03-08T09:40:00.002Z

Sunday 08.01hrs - Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst - first and only attendance. Water information - st entrance lake unlimited supply.

Sunday 12.53hrs - Camden Court, Chalket Lane Pembury - resources list FJK77p1 (Matfield) and FJK74R1 (Tunbridge Wells)

Sunday 15.38hrs - Camden Court, Chalket Lane, Pembury - FJK77p1 and FJK74R1

Monday morning 05.10hrs - 3663 Transfesa, Paddock Wood - Paddock Wood, Matfield and Tunbridge Wells retained.

No fires found

Joint training exercise at Bethany School near Marden

2010-03-05T07:48:00.003Z

Matfield, Marden, Cranbrook and Hawkhurst crews engaged in a joint training exercise at the Bethany School on Thursday evening. The brief was to search a dormitory building on the site with four persons missing. Nobody at the school apart from organisers and the four 'casualties' knew about the exercise in order that a real life evacuation of the building was carried out. All four casualties were found and brought out and a debrief given in the school refectory. Many thanks to the Bethany School for the use of their facilities on an evening which benefited everyone involved.

House Alight, Queens Street, Paddock Wood

2010-03-01T09:41:00.003Z

Paddock Wood and Matfield were sent out to a house alight at Queens Street at around 3am this morning - no persons reported missing. The house was a small single storey timber building on a mobile home site which was well ablaze when we arrived and completely destroyed. Water was used from an adjacent swimming pool to put the fire out. I wore breathing apparatus for this one.

AFA, Bayham Abbey, Lamberhurst

2010-03-01T09:40:00.001Z

Matfield were tipped out to an AFA at Bayham Abbey at around 11.15hrs on Sunday morning - no fire reported.

Fire at Rose and Crown pub, East Peckham

2010-02-28T07:53:00.001Z

Matfield were called to a fire in the Rose and Crown in East Peckham at around 21.50 on Satruday evening. More information to follow.

AFA, Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst

2010-02-22T09:09:00.002Z

Matfield were the only appliance tipped out to an AFA at Scotney Castle on Sunday night at 18.23hrs with no fire reported.

Chimney Fire, Lamberhurst Quarter, Wednesday Evening

2010-02-18T09:29:00.002Z

Matfield and Paddock Wood fire stations use the astro turf at Mascalls for a Wednesday night kick about every week - it had to happen before long and last night Matfield's bleepers went off mid-game for a Chimney Fire over in Lamberhurst. Bleepers went off around 21.45hrs and we returned to Matfield just before 23.00hrs - good night out!!

AFA, Pembury Hospital, Pembury

2010-02-17T09:54:00.001Z

Tunbridge Wells, Matfield and Paddock Wood attended an AFA at Pembury hospital at around 23.00 hrs on Monday evening. No fire incident reported.

Chimney Fire, Maidstone Road, Horsmonden

2010-02-15T09:22:00.001Z

Matfield were the only unit mobilised to a chimney fire on Maidstone Road in Horsmonden at around 15.30 on Sunday afternoon.

Thursday Night AFA

2010-02-13T07:03:00.003Z

Matfield were called to an AFA at around 11.45pm at a Unit in Eldon Way Paddock Wood. As last reserve, I did not ride.

Positive pressure ventilation training

2010-02-06T08:10:00.003Z

Paddock Wood and Matfield fire stations got together on Thursday evening for a training session on 'positive pressure ventilation' techniques. This involves ventilation of buildings with powerful fans to clear fire gasses in a controlled manner to allow firefighting and inject breathable air into buildings.

AFA Mack Multiples, Paddock Wood

2010-02-04T10:31:00.001Z

Bleepers went off at 2.45am for an AFA at fruit packhouse, Mack Multiples in Paddock Wood. Tunbridge Wells and Paddock Wood also in attendance. Crews from Paddock Wood and Matfield searched the entire building (huge!) to locate the source of the alarm but there was no danger. Back to base an hour later.

BA training at Manston for Matfield

2010-01-16T14:35:00.002Z

A team of six from Matfield are at Manston today for breathing apparatus training which will comprise various lectures and fire wears including search and rescue in buildings. Matfield joined Chatham fire station for the exercise and a second team will attend later in the year.

Gas leak at Hooper, Tunbridge Wells, Saturday afternoon

2009-12-21T08:32:00.003Z

Matfield were brought in as a relief crew for a gas leak incident at Hoopers in Tunbridge Wells on Saturday afternoon. A crew of four mobilised at around 3.30pm and stayed at the incident for around three hours. Two appliances were at the incident at all times.

Car Alight, East Peckham

2009-12-18T18:14:00.002Z

Second call of Thursday evening was to a car alight in East Peckham at around 21.30hrs - I was on reserve crew so did not ride on this one.

Chimney Fire, Colts Hill

2009-12-18T18:13:00.002Z

We were on station at about 19.30hrs on Thursday evening when the alarm went off for a chimney fire in Colts Hill. Minimal damage was caused to the flue as the fire was contained very quickly and we returned to base shortly afterwards

Lamberhurst firework display

2009-11-14T07:21:00.004Z

We will be at Lamberhurst firework display from 17.30hrs this evening for public safety and fire safety awareness which is also a chance for kids and mums and dads to have a look around the fire engine.

Keep Safe this bonfire night

2009-11-05T11:49:00.004Z

This years bonfire night coincides with our drill night which means we will be on station between 19.00hrs and 22.00hrs this evening. Happy bonfire night to everyone, have fun and keep safe wherever you are going to watch the fireworks!

AFA, Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst

2009-10-31T11:12:00.003Z

2.30am Saturday morning bleepers went off for an AFA at Scotney Castle. Crew of six rode - no fire found, back to base shortly after.

AFA, Pembury Hospital, Pembury

2009-10-28T09:46:00.003Z

Alerters went off around 23.45hrs for an automated fire alarm at Pembury Hospital. We attended along with Tunbridge Wells and both laid up our appliances in the entrance road for a short while as there was no fire. Back to base within half hour of leaving Matfield.

Good availabilty the last month.

2009-10-16T11:51:00.004+01:00

Our availability has been pretty good over the last month even though we have only had three shouts. We have one firefighter who will be going in for driver training which will hopefully increase our drivers to five. In the meantime if any men or women are interested in joining Matfield fire station and doing something truely fulfilling for the local community, then pop in and see us on a Thursday evening between 19.30hrs and 21.30hrs when we will be on station.

Car Alight, Cryals Road, Brenchley

2009-10-07T08:05:00.002+01:00

Matfield were called out to a car alight in Cryals Road just after 1.30am on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning. I was last reserve on this run so didn't ride as we had good availability last night.

Call to a bedroom fire in Paddock Wood Wednesday evening.

2009-10-01T07:31:00.003+01:00

I had just got into bed on Wednesday night when the bleeper went off. The printer showed a bedroom fire at a property in Forest Road, Paddock Wood but also said the fire was already out. Paddock Wood were in first attendance. Some belongings were removed from the upstairs of the property to ensure there was no further risk and we returned to base at around 23.00hrs

AFA, Camden House, Pembury

2009-09-27T08:31:00.002+01:00

Matfield were called out to an automated fire alarm at Camden House in Pembury at 8.06am on Saturday morning. No further information on the incident as I did not ride.

Area Commander's visit for Thursday Drill Night

2009-09-18T07:44:00.003+01:00

Matfield welcomed South Division's Area Commander Martin Adams to the fire station on Thursday night to talk about everything from issues on the fireground to the bigger picture of modernisation within the service itself. This was a fantastic open forum for us which helps KFRS continue to improve and deliver on the first class service we provide.

First Chimney Fire of the winter.

2009-09-16T09:30:00.003+01:00

Bleepers went off just after 7pm on Tuesday evening for the first chimney fire of the 'season'. We were the only crew in attendance with five riding. The flue was opened up fairly quickly and we used a positive displacement pump and rodding to spray water up the chimney and extinguish the fire to prevent it from spreading. Returned to the fire station just over an hour later.

RTC Person trapped on Three Elm Lane, Tonbridge

2009-09-16T09:26:00.004+01:00

We were called out to a rush hour incident at around 7.30am Tuesday morning on Three Elm Lane, Tonbridge where a motorist had left the road and ended up in a ditch upside down and trapped. Tonbridge day crew were first in attendance and got cutting equipment onto the vehicle to free the female occupant. Paramedics and ambulance were also at the scene along with police and the occupant had reportedly got away with minor injuries.

Station Road Fire, Paddock Wood

2009-09-14T07:50:00.003+01:00

Matfield were second in attendance to a fire at a storage unit in Station Road, Paddock Wood. Matfield provided Paddock Wood with water from a hydrant as well as having one delivery to the side of the building. Entry control was set up for breathing apparatus although no crews were committed into the building. Two appliances from Tonbridge and one from Strood also turned out as well as an incident support unit. Incident support bagged up and removed personal protective equipment of some of the firefighters due to asbestos contamination risk from the roof of the building.

Multiple fires at farm in Yalding - five appliances

2009-08-31T10:34:00.003+01:00

We were the fourth appliance in attendance at three seperate fires at a farm in Lughorse Lane, Yalding which saw a storage facility and contents destroyed along with two mobile cabins used for sanitary and cooking - in total Maistone, Tonbridge, Matfield, Paddock Wood and Marden attended along with an Incident Command Unit. Propane cylinders and fertiliser posed risks for crews that brought the height of the blazes under control fairly quickly. Bleepers went off at 4.50am and we returned just after 8am leaving two crews at the scene damping down.

Matfield and Wadhurst attend hay fire at Bewl Water

2009-08-31T10:23:00.003+01:00

Just before 1.00am Matfield and Wadhurst (in their brand new appliance) were sent out to Bewl Water where hay bales had caught light. Conveniently there was a hydrant very close to the fire to provide water although at Bewl there was never going to be a shortage. Back at base just over an hour later.

AFA Kent and Sussex Hospital, Drills at Tonbridge

2009-08-28T07:47:00.002+01:00

Matfield were tipped out to Kent & Sussex Hospital on Thursday afternoon just after 5pm for an automated fire alarm along with Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells. There was no fire although the first communication had reported that smoke had been smelt. Thursday evening also saw Matfield working with Marden over at Tonbridge on fire drills in the fire house and drill yard. Two breathing apparatus crews pulled three casualties out of the fire house in a simulated exercise with around fourteen firefighters.

Conservatory fire at house on Maidstone Road

2009-08-23T21:27:00.003+01:00

Matfield were mobilised at around 6pm today to reports of a conservatory fire on Maidstone Road in Horsmonden. A crew of four rode - I did not ride so have no further information yet on the incident.

Car alight off Green Lane, Paddock Wood

2009-08-22T09:26:00.003+01:00

Matfield were mobilised to reports of 'car alight' in playing fields off Green Lane at around 3.30am Saturday morning. The car had been abandoned in the playing fields and was 100% destroyed upon arrival. The fire was quickly extinguished and we returned to base after picking up water in Paddock Wood.

RTC attended on Monday evening

2009-08-20T07:57:00.003+01:00

Matfield attended an RTC on Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood on Monday evening at around 7pm. Media reports that two people were taken to Maidstone hospital.

Railway Sleeper fire in Tong Lane

2009-08-19T07:37:00.002+01:00

Alerters went off at around 9.45pm after a 999 call for a fire at a farm in Tong Lane. Matfield were first in attendance to what was a stack of railway sleepers alight. Cranbrook also attended and the fire was put out and prevented from spreading. Back at base around 11.45pm.

RTC, A21 towards Lamberhurst from Kippings Cross

2009-08-15T12:51:00.002+01:00

Matfield and Tunbridge Wells were called by the Police service upon fears of fuel leakage after an RTC on the A21 at around 4am Sunday. One car was involved in the incident which reportedly had three occupants. Matfield spent a short while clearing debris before returning to base.

Hose coiling drills at Tonbridge

2009-07-24T08:51:00.002+01:00

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

2009-07-19T07:51:00.006+01:00

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

2009-07-11T10:54:00.002+01:00

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.

AFA, Margaret Fisher House, Old Kent Road, Paddock Wood

2009-06-30T07:13:00.004+01:00

Third AFA of the night - turned out with Paddock Wood. Once again no fire found. Three AFAs spread out throughout the night is rare. There'll be some tired people at work today.

AFA, African Express, Transfesa

2009-06-30T07:11:00.002+01:00

2.15am Tuesday morning turned out to African Express along with Paddock Wood and Tunbridge Wells to an other automated fire alarm. No fire found.