Fight for night-time fire cover
April 6, 2007 12:00 PM
In Windsor and Eton Express
In Windsor and Eton Express
The fight to stop the threat to Windsor's night-time fire service is continuing, after the quick midnight arrival of fire fighters from the town saved a house from total destruction on Friday.
The fire started at a house adjoining Stag Meadow football club off St Leonard's Road, Windsor. Neighbours spotted smoke billowing from the house and feared residents were trapped inside.
Fire fighters from Windsor were on the scene in three minutes by 11.53pm. They were joined later by a team from Slough who took seven minutes to get there which would have meant the loss of four vital minutes if Windsor fire station had not been operating.
Under suggested plans by the Berkshire Fire Authority Windsor could be left unmanned at night, or staffed by volunteer retained men who would have to come from their jobs or homes.
Fortunately, the residents of the house at Stag Meadow were away from the weekend. But fire fighters used six breathing sets as they forced their way into the house checking in each smoke-filled room that no-one was trapped or overcome, although sadly the hamster was dead in its cage. Firemen stayed until 3am on Saturday.
This week Windsor fire fighter Michael Rowley, the Fire Brigade's Union branch official at the station, said: "This severe fire was a clear demonstration of the need to maintain a fully operational crew for the people of Windsor night and day. This could have been an utter tragedy but for the swift action of Windsor fire fighters".
"It is imperative that they residents of Windsor support the campaign to ensure a 24/7 service for the town".
The occupier of the house, who is now back home and did not want to be named, said: "I'm happy to add my voice to the support for keeping Windsor fire station at full strength".
"Although there is serious smoke damage the house is still here and I'm grateful".
Firemen also went to Albany Road, Old Windsor in the early house of the morning this week, when an automatic alarm went off, warning of a dangerously high level of carbon monoxide in a home where a small toddler lived.
They were able to check the atmosphere and issue vital advice to the frightened family.