Flooding hits the South West

Saturday 13 December
03.46 to 22.00hrs - various locations including Backwell, Banwell, Bishop Sutton, Dundry, Pensford and Ilminster (Somerset)

After torrential rain hit the area, crews were called to a number of locations to help with pumping out of properties and pushing vehicles out of waterlogged roadways.

AF&RS's major involvement was across the border in Somerset, where we were called to help by Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service (D&SF&RS). With a large area around the town of Ilminster under water, crews from Bedminster Fire Station (15), including the boat, and senior fire officers worked with colleagues from D&SF&RS to offer help to local residents.

Avon crews were also involved in the search and recovery of a man whose car had been found stranded in water. Tragically it is believed that the man drowned in the rising waters after leaving his vehicle.