A heroic firefighter in South Wales left her own flooded home, with her ‘fridge floating around the kitchen, to assist others during Storm Bert. Sabrina Butler, a control room operator and on-call firefighter at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS), displayed exceptional bravery and selflessness in the face of the storm’s devastation. Despite her own house being flooded, Sabrina continued to work at the control room, helping coordinate emergency responses while her partner and grandfather dealt with the flood at home.
During the weekend of Storm Bert, regions in South Wales, including Pontypridd and the Rhondda valley, experienced severe flooding, leading to crisis management and emergency evacuations. The efforts of SWFRS firefighters, including Sabrina, were pivotal in managing the situation and rescuing those in need. Sabrina’s dedication to her role stood out as she prioritised assisting others even in the midst of personal hardship.
The challenges faced during Storm Bert were immense, with SWFRS fielding a high volume of emergency calls. Between 5am and 8am on a Sunday, the team received 203 calls, with numbers peaking at 120 pending actions at one point. The scale of the disaster prompted a major incident declaration from 9am to 9pm on that day. Despite the overwhelming demand for assistance, the firefighters worked tirelessly to provide aid to affected communities.
SWFRS conducted flood rescues in various locations in South Wales, including Monmouthshire, Treherbert, Aberdare, and Cwm. One of the most affected areas was Rhondda Cynon Taff, where crews rescued residents from flooded homes using boats. Additionally, a significant landslip in Cwmtillery forced evacuations, with specialist engineers assessing the extent of the damage. The collaborative efforts of multiple agencies, alongside SWFRS, were crucial in executing timely rescues and support operations.
Amid the crisis, the dedication of the SWFRS control crew shone through. Five night shift workers extended their shifts into the day, with two individuals working an impressive 24-hour shift. This unwavering commitment to duty ensured that critical services were maintained, and aid reached those most in need. Natalie Pearce, head of fire control at SWFRS, commended the team for their selfless efforts, highlighting the essential role they played in managing the crisis effectively.
The overwhelming response to Storm Bert underscored the resilience and community spirit in South Wales. Despite facing personal challenges, individuals like Sabrina Butler and her colleagues at SWFRS demonstrated unwavering commitment to serving and protecting the community. As the region continues to recover from the impact of the storm, their efforts serve as a testament to the courage and dedication of frontline responders in times of crisis.