Bridport fire engine delayed by parking as 40 birds die

At 11.40 pm on Saturday night (May 20) firefighters were called to a fire at an aviary on North Mills Road.

Firefighters were delayed by five minutes on their way to the scene of the fire as a poorly parked car left the fire engine unable to get through a road.

Two crew members from Bridport Fire Station made their way to the fire on foot whilst the rest of the crew tried to alert the owners of the parked car.

The on-foot firefighters arrived at the fire where one bird aviary was alight. 

Meanwhile, the remaining crew had made the decision to reverse and find an alternative route, with cars behind the fire engine having to reverse too.

The owner of the parked car arrived and moved their car allowing the fire crew to reach the scene of the fire.

The fire was subsequently extinguished, preventing the fire from spreading to another bird aviary.

Despite this, it is estimated over 40 birds died in the fire.

A spokesperson for Bridport Fire Station said: “One pump was mobilised to reports of a fire on North Mills Road.

“Due to some inconsiderate parking the pump was unable to get through.

“The IC (Incident Commander) and two crew members made their way to the incident by foot whilst the remaining crew tried to find and alert the owners of the parked cars.

“Now on scene, the IC made radio contact with the pump to confirm one bird aviary was well alight.

“Having now been delayed well over 5 minutes, the decision was made to reverse the pump back and find an alternative route.

“Which also meant having vehicles now waiting behind having to reverse back too.

“Just as this was being done one of the owners arrived and kindly moved their car.

“The pump was then able to reach the incident.

“The fire was extinguished using one hose real jet and crews were able to stop the fire from spreading to another bird aviary but unfortunately, it’s estimated over 40 birds died in the incident.”

The fire service has now called on drivers to park responsibly and leave enough room for emergency vehicles.

A Bridport Fire station spokesperson added: “The Highway Code is very clear on parking rules Rule 242 You MUST NOT leave your vehicle or trailer in a dangerous position or where it causes any unnecessary obstruction of the road.

“Rule 243 DO NOT stop or park: Anywhere you would prevent access for Emergency Services, opposite or within 10 metres (32 feet) of a junction, except in an authorised parking space.”