Firefighters cover burning car in white blanket of foam by the A5 - as passersby quote Christmas jingle
People passing a car fire on the A5 shouted “it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas” as firefighters used an unusual method to extinguish it - by covering it in a white blanket.
The blaze happened near the Queen’s Head pub near Oswestry yesterday afternoon (November 26), with crews using foam to put it out.
Police were also on the scene and one lane of the busy carriageway was closed due to smoke.
Fire crews said they found it difficult to extinguish with water, but appeared to appreciate the humour of passers by.
Ellesmere Fire Station shared several pictures and said on social media: “At 16.10 this afternoon, we were mobilised alongside colleagues from Oswestry Fire Station to reports of a car fire on the A5 by Queen's Head.
“On arrival, crews found a car alight, which proved difficult to extinguish using water.
“A decision was made to use the foam carried in our onboard appliance tanks to smother the fire.
“Foam assists in extinguishing difficult fires by creating a barrier to oxygen and clings to the vehicle, enhancing the cooling effect.
“And yes, we heard every 'it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas' passersby kindly shouted to us,” followed by a laughing emoji.
“Stay safe,” they added.
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service’s entry on the incident log said: “At 3.41pm on Tuesday, November 26, SFRS Fire Control received a call reporting a car fire in Oswestry.
"Car on fire on the A5 which crews have extinguished using one hose reel jet working with foam. One lane closed due to hazards including smoke across the carriageway.”
Two fire engines were sent to the scene from Ellesmere and Oswestry.
