Teamwork saves Milton Keynes police horses from fast-spreading wildfire next to their stable yard
The city’s hard-working police horses were caught up in a wildfire drama right next to their stable yard this week.
The TVP Mounted Section uses a field and stable yard just outside Milton Keynes to keep the horses safe when they are not on duty.
But on Monday (August 3) a field right next to the stables suddenly caught fire, putting all the horses at risk.
More than 20 firefighter rushed to the scene just before midday, together with a specialist wildlife unit from Buckingham. They used two hose reel jets, beaters and the wildfire unit to tackle and contain the fire, prevent further spread, and carry out extensive damping down and turning over operations.
Thermal imaging cameras were used throughout the incident to identify hotspots while a police drone operated provided aerial observations.
A spoksperson for TVP Mounted Section said: “We faced the very real possibility of having to evacuate the entire yard after the field adjacent to ours caught fire. With the wind blowing in our direction, the fire spread rapidly, reaching the lane with just a few feet separating it from our hedgerow and paddocks.
“What followed was an incredible team effort. Whilst some of the team worked tirelessly to tackle the fire before arrival of Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service, others prepared the horses and horseboxes should an evacuation become necessary.”
The spokesperson added: “We were also overwhelmed by the support from the local farmers and residents, who arrived with their own machinery to help spray the fire and soak our paddocks, creating a vital fire break.
“An off-duty officer from TVP Milton Keynes had also seen reports of the fire on a local social media group and came straight to the yard to help in any way he could.
“Thankfully, thanks to everyone’s quick thinking and teamwork, along with the fantastic response from Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service, the fire was brought under control before it could spread any further.”
A Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson said: “When every second counts, teamwork matters...Thanks to the quick thinking of those on scene, support from the local community and the fantastic response of our crews, this fire was brought under control before it could spread further. “