'There's a goose on the roof': London Fire Brigade reveal most bizarre Christmas callouts

Trapped goose: A caller rang 999 to report a goose stuck on a roof
Shutterstock / rck_953
Fiona Simpson25 December 2016

From a goose stuck on a roof to people trapped in the loo, London Fire Brigade has revealed the most bizarre reasons people call 999 over Christmas.

In a bid to urge Londoners to only call-out fire crews in a real emergency, the Brigade has released a list of unacceptable reasons to request help.

Call-handlers are forced to answer an influx of ridiculous calls from revellers over the festive season.

Some five men a year call 999 after getting rings stuck on their genitalia, a spokesman said.

While other festive themed phone calls include a person who spotted a goose on a roof and a call for concern for ladies who were unable to boogie on a sticky dance floor.

The Brigade urged people to consider calling the RSPCA to help furry and feathered friends after being called about a swan swimming in a frozen lake and a cockatoo being bullied by pigeons.

One man also recited the Lord’s Prayer to call handlers.

LFB’s most bizarre calls included:

A call to Pear Tree House

A goose stuck on a roof

A cockatoo being bullied by pigeons

Multiple people trapped on a toilet seat

People locked in a library

A man reciting the Lord’s Prayer

A kitten with a drum stuck on its head

Woman calling to say she is scared of spiders

Caller said he was eating a hot chilli and his mouth was on fire

Man saying his pants are on fire

And a French speaking man asked for advice on translating a word to English.

Director of Operations Dave Brown said: "You wouldn't believe some of the incidents crews are called out to, including a woman who asked if firefighters could warm her baby’s milk up and several people with rings stuck on their genitals.

"We are also keen to reduce the number of animals firefighters are called to rescue and want people to call the RSPCA if they see an animal stuck, not 999.

"We are regularly called to deal with a lot of incidents which could be avoided. We want everyone to have a good Christmas, but remember that silly pranks and time wasting calls cost us time, money and resources."

Firefighters are also forced to deal with a spike in revellers locking themselves both in and out of their houses over Christmas and New Year.

Last December, crews dealt with an average of 16 calls to people locked out every day – over half of which (55 per cent) were not deemed to be emergencies.

Figures also revealed a number of calls from people trapped in bizarre places such as cupboards, cemeteries, libraries, shops and toilets.

Steffan George, from the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA), said: "There are around 3,000 locksmiths in the UK so there's really no excuse not to call one if you find yourself locked in or out.

"In most situations, a locksmith should be with you within an hour.

"It's always advisable to contact a qualified and inspected locksmith, such as those vetted by the MLA.

"I'd even suggest storing the phone number of a local locksmith in your mobile in case you ever need it."

LFB will attend to people who are locked out and need medication from inside their home or if someone’s life is in danger.

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