Snow: Fire service used a six-wheel drive at weekend

A six-wheel drive ‘Pinzgauer’ vehicle has been used by firefighters this week to plough through snow and ice.

A crew from Maidenhead fire station used the vehicle to get to a house fire in Waltham St Lawrence on Sunday after several inches of snow fell during the night.

However, Ellie Gray, spokesman for the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS), said most calls attended by crews had not been related to the snow and the freezing temperatures.

She said a number of householders suffered burst water pipes and flooding caused by the freezing temperatures, and warned motorists to take care on roads during the continuing cold spell.

Electric heaters were also responsible for two fires in Maidenhead High Street on Saturday and School Road, Waltham St Lawrence on Sunday morning.

Steve Hogg, watch manager for Maidenhead blue watch, warned that people using electric heaters to provide extra warmth should keep them well ventilated and away from clothing.