[Steve_Seattle]

"each instance cost taxpayers some £290, meaning the mishaps have cost at least £377,000."

I question that figure. The fire fighters would be on duty - and on the clock - regardless of whether they get a call. Maybe there would be a slight increase in gasoline costs as a result of these calls, but not to the tune of £290 per call.

[Lonesome in Massachussets]

I suppose at some level they have to calculate the response time and available units. Units tied up applying vasoline to handcuffs, are available to get cats out of trees. The operating cost per mile of fire equipment has to be astronomical, probably on the order of $10/mile, or more.