FIREFIGHTERS were faced with a tricky task of extinguishing a blaze in the basement of Hatfield House this week.
But luckily for the crews from Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue on Monday, July 20, they were taking part in an exercise to address any problems which could be faced if ever a raging fire broke out at the historic site.
Watch Commander at Hatfield fire station Steve Duncan told how they had to pump water from a nearby lake to put out the simulated blaze.
He said: “We made out there was a fire in the basement kitchen, so it was an exercise to set us up for a similar situation.
“So we had to set up water pumps from a nearby lake and we had around 20 crews and an aerial ladder pump.
“It was about prevention should we ever be put in a situation where we need to get to a basement.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here