I didn't really look at the tip sheet - only to see we were heading for The Britten Centre in Lowestoft and reports of smoke being seen.

We all thought it would be a Smoke Cloak that had activated in one of the shops of the Britten Centre. Smoke Cloaks are an automated way of filling a shop with smoke to make it virtually impossible for a burglar to find their way into (or out) of the shop once the burglar alarm has been activated.

Cheesey was driving and he headed for the pedestrian entrance to the shops between the Library and the Elderley People's Club. Just as we pulled up Steve Mullen (OIC of White Watch tonight) called us up on the handheld radio to suggest we approached from this direction. Cheesey took Ladder 2 down the footway between the buildings, stopping outside QD.

Wisps of smoke could be seen coming from one of the permanent (and well secured) market stalls). As Ladder 2 was closer (White Watch had come into the Britten Centre via the Bus Station) we used the Combi tool (cutters and spreaders) to force entry to the stall through one of its metal roller shutters.

As an orange glow became more obvious under the shutters, I ran out two lengths of 45 and charged it. It's usual practice to run out a covering jet like this in case things go tits up and the hosereel just isn't enough...

Mel and Greg set about the shutters - cutting and spreading until a nice 12 inch high aperture had been made. Right on cue, a keyholder for the stall arrived, opened another shutter, allowing the hosereel to douse the small fire that was situated under the counter.

And with everything out and all the gear stowed it was time for everyone to practice their Pete Beale (remember him Eastenders fans) impressions...

"Pound o' carrots, get ya luvverly carrots here sweetheart"

"Melons, luvverly ripe melons"

Thankfully, before long, we were off back to Normanshurst and all the would-be barrow boys called it a night...