DOGS, horses and even three squirrels were among more than 50 animals rescued by specially trained firefighters last year.

All crews across County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) have been given awareness training. However, at the Bishop Auckland station there are 36 technicians across four shifts and six rescue instructors ready to handle any call-outs for anywhere in the county.

Horses, dogs and cats are the most common animals needing to be rescued, but crews dealt with birds, sheep, squirrels and even a deer in 2015.

Paul Cummings, assistant director for Wear and Tees, said they attend all call-outs and they would sooner rescue the animals than see members of the public trying to sort things out themselves and risk getting hurt.

The crews receive regular training and carry out regular training exercises with the help of Randy the horse – a weight and size replica of the real thing, which is kept at the Bishop Auckland site.

“When we attend an incident it really depends on the situation as to what we do and whether we keep the owner of the animal involved and if we call the vet,” said Mr Cummings.

“For animal rescues we cover the whole of the county from Bishop Auckland. We also cover water rescues from here. All the skills go quite well together.”

Last week was Chief Fire Officers Association’s Drowning Prevention and Water Safety Week, which aimed to highlight the dangers of being near water and firefighters have spent time visiting schools to speak to pupils.

Forty four per cent of people who drowned in 2014 had no intention of entering the water. Trips, falls and underestimating the risks associated with being near water meant that 302 people lost their lives across the country.

Stuart Errington, chief fire officer for CDDFRS, said: “As the figures show almost half of those who drowned in 2014 did not plan to enter the water, which is quite shocking and surprising.

“Runners and walkers are most at risk of accidental drowning in the UK; they are often unaware of the risks and totally unprepared for the scenario where they may end up in the water.”