Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (PBCC) RAPID RELIEF TEAM SUPPORTS EMERGENCY SERVICES FOLLOWING HOLBORN FIRE
Underground Fire at London, Holborn.
2nd April 2015: The PBCC’s Rapid Relief Team (RRT) responded yesterday to work with the emergency services and those affected by the underground blaze which saw flames and smoke erupt from beneath a major road in Holborn, central London.
Fire bursting through manhole
An electrical fire led to the evacuation of almost 5,000 people from the surrounding areas. Arriving in the immediate aftermath of the incident, the RRT supported with Police and Fire Services throughout the evacuation. The RRT provided a calming influence to ensure that evacuation was smooth and efficient.
Road closed at London Holborn Fire
Over 100 fire-fighters and support crews attended the blaze and due to the demanding nature of their work it is vital they are supported with basic necessities. RRT worked throughout the night in difficult weather conditions to enable them to continue their work. As the blaze continued the Brethren set up a Command Centre where they established the needs of emergency services and, this morning, coordinated with local supermarkets and businesses to supply all the workers with breakfast.
Located central to the incident inside the security area.
The refreshments were appreciated by emergency service as RRT worked to keep morale high amongst the many crews on site.
RRT provided similar support at the arson attack incidents in Oxfordshire last month.
RRT serving food and drink to fire and police services and London Holborn Electrical Fire
Mr Phil Brown, a member of the PBCC RRT who coordinated the response said: “It is vital that emergency services get the support required to help the community at such times. Our church is proud to work with the community and the emergency services to ensure that everyone has the supplies they require.”
Notes to editors
- RRT is a not-for-profit organisation that provides benevolent relief to people in need
- The team consists of volunteers of all ages, dedicated to serving the community
- Its members are a part of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, who strive to practice true Christianity in our way of life. This includes being compassionate, active, and contributing citizens and doing what we can to help.
- This long–held practice of helping others endures to today, under the banner of the Rapid Relief Team
Cooling down the surrounding buildings.
Local rickshaw driver helping us collect food donations from the supermarket.
Uncovering electricity services
RRT support at Holborn Electricity Fire
RRT at the Holburn Tube Fire
Go Ian!!!!!
lovin the rapid relief team, that marquee looks amazing, well done all volunteers
well done rrt
Goodness graciousness that was close – did you see anyone running around with jewellery spilling out of their pockets?! – I trust you’d have looked after them carefully if you had!
looks great keep it up rrt
Amazing how quickly the RRT got there. True to label- RAPID relief team.
When ever there is a time of need
RRT will provide a feed.
Looks like it could have been worse. Very good job RRT.
loving the rickshaw!!
keep up the good work PBCC!!!!
great work
keep it up
just saw this on the news…but couldn’t see the RRT! oh well, good job fast response!
keep it up.
I thought about the RRT when I heard the news of this fire, congrats for being on site so quick.
nice work
Go RRT!!
I just knew it!!
Fires & the RRT go together so well!!
wow – that must have been scary – you must have been worried that any man-hole cover would jump up & spill out fire!!!!
well done for being right behind those brave people and supporting them in the often-taken-for-granted job that they do – incredible people
thank you
Pleased to see that the RRT were able to help with the evacuation of those nearby, in what must be a very frightening experience for them. Trust this fire can be contained so persons can return safely to their homes.
(Good to see the use of ‘green’ modes of transport by the RRT team)
How’s it going? Is the fire still burning? Keep safe everyone!