Figures reveal that in the five days from 21-25 November, crews were called to deal with 869 flooding incidents out of a total of 1,357 incidents.

Operational crews and fire control staff have been praised by the chief fire officer for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service for their response to the flooding and adverse weather conditions.

Provisional figures have revealed that in the five days from 21-25 November, crews were called to deal with 869 flooding incidents out of a total of 1,357 incidents.

Crews carried out 85 rescues from flooding over that period, from properties and vehicles, involving 218 people.

Chief Fire Officer Lee Howell, of Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service, said: “Our fire control staff and operational crews have worked extremely hard over the last five days and are a credit to the service.

“We have also received excellent support from our colleagues in other fire and rescue services, the police and partner agencies.”

Councillor Mark Healey, the chairman of the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority, added: “Everyone without exception that I have spoken to, has had nothing but praise and admiration for the crews and the control staff of the Service, for the professional and compassionate way that they conducted themselves.”

Planning will continue to take place in support of the recovery operation and further rain falling on extremely saturated ground could lead to further flooding incidents.

Chief Fire Officer Howell added: “The rain may have eased in most areas but there is still the potential for roads to be flooded, particularly in rural areas. Please do not drive through floodwater and be aware of debris that may have been left behind on roads by flooding.”