Firefighters' paw patrol

FIREFIGHTERS lived up to their “not just fires” catchphrase when they were called in to rescue an overheated dog trapped in sweltering heat.

Golden Labrador Freckles had got stuck under a cargo crate, at Frome Valley Farm on Badminton Road in Coalpit Heath during the June heatwave, on a day when temperatures were up to 28C.

But it wasn’t a case of breaking out the turntable ladder, or high tech cutting equipment… the firefighters used their charm and a few treats to persuade him to squeeze out to safety.

Freckles’ owner Leanne Poole said she was hugely grateful to the team.

She said: “I know it wasn’t a life or death matter, but Freckles was stuck and exhausted.

“She had not been around for nearly an hour when I realised where she was.

"She had crawled under the container and was exhausted trying to get out. We tried giving her treats and she just couldn’t make it.”

Leanne went to get a farm tractor to see if they could get Freckles free – but by the time she returned, the firefighters had coaxed Freckles out, or as an Avon Fire & Rescue Service's official spokesperson put it, "the dog was able to selfrescue itself from the entrapment".

Yate Fire Station watch manager Andy Lavis said: “When we arrived, Freckles was in a sorry state, and clearly distressed.

“With some gentle encouragement from all involved, he managed to crawl out of the tight space he’d been in and free himself.

“We were really pleased to have helped in this situation and to have seen Freckles go free.”

On their Facebook page Yate firefighters posted: “This is why we say #NotJustFires!”

Leanne said: “The fire brigade were fabulous. I’m so pleased they came to help.”

Five days later Yate firefighters were called out again, to rescue a 14-year-old Jack Russell named Boycie who had locked himself in a family car in Hawkesbury Upton.

A spokesperson said: "Luckily, the air conditioning was on and crews formulated a plan to rescue the dog."

The firefighters used tools to open the door and reunite Boycie with his family, adding: "You're joking - not another one!?"