Fire dog Simba defies downpours to take plunge in Hampstead Heath ponds
Simba very much embraced the elements. Picture: London Fire Brigade - Credit: Archant
Adorable firefighting dog Simba braved the recent wet weather to plunge into the Hampstead Heath ponds.
He is trained to snuff out blazes for the London Fire Brigade. Picture: London Fire Brigade - Credit: Archant
Specially trained to identify flammable substances, Simba is one of the London Fire Brigade's (LFB's) four-legged friends that assist with criminal investigations determining whether a fire has been started deliberately.
The furry canine, having been relieved of training duties this time around, took the opportunity to wander around the Heath band before taking a dip as his final act of leisurely indulgence.
"He wasn't training - he'd literally just gone up there for a walk and a run around," a LFB spokesperson said.
"He and his trainer don't really use the Heath for training, although it is one of his favourite parks!"
Hampstead Heath is one of Simba's favourite parks to strut his stuff. Picture: London Fire Brigade - Credit: Archant
LFB's fire dogs are selected from a young age based on their high drive for play.
They follow a positive reinforcement training programme where they are rewarded with a tennis ball each time they detect a flammable substance.
More information on the dogs' care and training can be found at london-fire.gov.uk.
Most Read
- 1 The most expensive homes sold in Haringey in November 2021
- 2 Air ambulance mobilised as boy, 15, knifed in South Hampstead
- 3 'We don't need to drink more coffee' say cafés as Joe & The Juice moves in
- 4 'We're proud of what we do': Kossoffs celebrates six months in Kentish Town
- 5 Cops swoop on cannabis farm rumoured to be 'largest ever' busted in Haringey
- 6 3,000 new council homes for Haringey over next ten years
- 7 Italian sandwich shop opens in a Hampstead telephone box
- 8 Fundraising year begins at William IV pub in Hampstead
- 9 The man who wants to put trains among the trees from Muswell Hill to Highgate
- 10 Roadworks and rail disruptions in north London over the next week
