Mice caused firefighter to abandon station
A pair of mice closed a fire station because of a fireman's phobia.
By Sarah Knapton
Last Updated: 8:23PM GMT 09 Dec 2008 
A firefighter fled Waltham Abbey station after he saw mice in the kitchen Photo: AP
The officer was sent to open the building at Waltham Abbey, Essex, but fled after spotting the tiny creatures and refused to start the night-shift.
The station was closed for two hours on Dec 5 until the firefighter was ordered back to work by bosses.
Waltham Abbey has a single fire engine and is crewed by regulars during the day but at night retained part-timers take over and answer any emergency calls.
Assistant Chief Officer Gordon Hunter said: "The fire officer contacted his control at around 10pm to say there were mice in the kitchen and he was returning to his normal station.
"He was told by the manager there to return and re-open the station. We are waiting to interview him when he returns to duty and in the meantime pest control firm has been called in but found no evidence of any mouse infestation."
The force said the incident was under review and the matter is also being investigated by the Fire Brigade's Union.
Regional Secretary Adrian Clarke: "Talks are going on about issues such as risk assessment and working practices. But a rodent infestation is a serious matter whether it is a hotel or a fire station."
A fire brigade insider said: "He may have a phobia about mice which is odd because firemen have to deal with all sort of animals in their work – including things like angry bulls – so a mouse should not have been a problem. "
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/news...n-station.html 
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