A CLASSIC fire engine turned back time as it jumped into action to aid firefighters.

The 60-year-old Green Goddess - owned by a mechanic - joined the fire service to battle a wildfire in Wethersfield.

Wethersfield firefighters said the mechanic saw the blaze in the distance and jumped at the opportunity to support fighting the fire and help out local crews.

A spokesman for the station said: “We would like to thank them personally for their help in what was a challenging fire, as well as our colleagues from Thaxted.”

The station said it had been an unprecedented, busy week for its crews.

A spokesman said: “The last six weeks has undoubtedly been the busiest Wethersfield has ever seen, touching most corners of the county at several large-scale incidents.

“This serves as a reminder that whilst the warm weather continues to please avoid any type of open fire, bonfire and barbecue as these can easily go wrong with significant consequences."

The Green Goddess, or RLHZ self-propelled pump, was a fire engine used originally by the Auxiliary Fire Service.

It was used to deal with exceptional events, including being operated by the British Armed Forces during firefighters’ strikes in 1977 and 2002.

The green-painted vehicles were built between 1953 and 1956 for the AFS, with the design based on a Bedford RL series British military truck.

The AFS used the Green Goddess extensively to support fire services throughout the UK.

The 2004 Fire and Rescue Services Act, which stated that primary firefighting equipment must remain available during worker strikes, effectively retired the Green Goddess.

Most of the vehicles were sold to fire brigades in developing countries.

Others went into museums, and some were bought and restored by trusts or privately owned.

  • Wethersfield fire station is holding an open day on September 3.