Firefighters rescue 25 people from floodwaters at Aviemore caravan park

Firefighters have rescued 25 people - including three children - from serious flooding at a holiday park in Aviemore.

Fire chiefs said that lives could have been lost in the early hours of Sunday but for prompt action at the Aviemore Holiday Caravan Park which was overwhelmed with the swiftly rising waters of the nearby River Spey.

The brigade’s operations control in Inverness received a 999 call at 2.36am reporting serious flooding at the holiday park.

An Aviemore appliance was mobilised to the scene and on arrival crews found considerable flooding throughout most areas of the park with the water too deep and fast flowing for vehicles to gain access.

Crews also ascertained that a number of the chalets and caravans were occupied with people trapped.

Fire chiefs said many of the occupants were unaware of the increasing risk as most were asleep in bed.

They said there had been significant potential for the incident to escalate and that lives could have been at threat.

The Incident Commander immediately requested additional assistance and the attendance of the SFRS’s specialist swift water rescue team from Inverness.

An appliance from Kingussie and one from Inverness were mobilised to the incident along with the team of 10 swift water rescue specialists.

Firefighters worked closely with colleagues from Police Scotland, Scottish Ambulance Service, Highland Council and Scottish and Southern Energy in the operation.

This resulted in firefighters rescuing 22 adults, three children and seven dogs from various properties within the park using a swift water rescue boat and rescue sled.

A detailed and systematic search of all 103 properties on the site took place to ensure that all persons had been accounted for and that all residents were safe.

Group Manager John MacDonald, who led the operation, praised the efforts of the fire crews who worked in challenging and arduous conditions of freezing cold water which was swift moving and at times chest deep in places.

He said: "This was energy sapping work that required the implementation of specialist technical processes to ensure safe systems of work were implemented.

"The successful outcome to the incident was achieved through a co-ordinated multi agency approach where all responding agencies played a key role."

GM MacDonald also expressed his thanks to the local community and residents who cooperated with the emergency services and to the local businesses who provided care for those rescued and evacuated as well as catering and refreshments for the personnel from the agencies attending the incident.

MORE IN THIS WEEK'S STRATHY ON THE DISRUPTION CAUSED BY THE FLOODING. OUT ON THURSDAY.

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