'Every second counts': Leicestershire firefighters issue bank holiday warning to drivers

Firefighters are urging drivers in Leicestershire and Rutland to think twice when parking over the busy bank holiday period, as blocked roads 'could cost lives'.

Whether it's family and friends coming to stay, or a visit to local holiday hotspots, the Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service wants drivers to leave enough room for fire engines to get by.

Watch Manager at the Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, Kane Lucas, said: 'We've had it where we've had to park maybe 200 meters away from an incident which came through as a house fire. Running that distance with fire kits and hoses, that's a massive delay.'

'If we are really desperate, we will do whatever we need to do to get by. You can imagine that comes with a lot of work to cars the other side of it - that's the last thing we want.

'We want to get to the incident as quick as we can, deal with the incident and then leave people nice and safe.

'We will do what we need to do to get by.'

He added: 'You will inhale smoke near a bonfire or BBQ and be coughing for the next ten minutes. Think about being trapped in a house on fire - that's 100-times worse.'

'Every second counts, if we can get there and get someone out quicker, it is saving lives.'

'Parking will, unfortunately, cost more lives if it gets any worse.'

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