FIREFIGHTERS in North Yorkshire could bill homeowners hundreds of pounds for pumping out floodwater - or even rescuing trapped pets.

The flooding charge could apply if the deluge is caused by bad weather - not just a tap being left on.

Powers have existed since 1947 to charge for attending incidents not involving a fire. But firefighters have mostly limited this to clearing up chemical spills or removing water from commercial firms.

Now the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) is consulting on a new charging framework as part of the Fire And Rescue Bill.

Fire authorities will be encouraged to levy bills for clearing flood water, lift releases, "effecting entry" into buildings, saving people from "sinking boats" and animal rescue.

With the exception of fires and road accidents, freeing people from lifts and helping people who have been locked out are the two biggest drains on fire service time.

If a lift gets stuck, the bill will be sent to the building's owner - rather than the person who is trapped. But for flooded homes, pet rescue, sinking boats and helping people into their property the charge will be levied on the owner.

Other charges put forward by Ministers include consultancy, training, supplying firefighters for special events and loaning or testing equipment. The exact bill will be up to the fire service - but they will not be allowed to make a profit.

In a consultation document published by Fire Service Minister Nick Raynsford, the ODPM said: "It will still fall to each authority to decide whether they wish to charge for a particular service and the circumstances in which they impose the charge. This reflects the flexibility that currently exists. It will also be for the authority to decide the amount of the charge subject to the restriction that they may not make a profit."

Updated: 10:47 Wednesday, February 11, 2004