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REMEMBERING SMITHFIELD MARKET (23/01)
It was on 23rd January 1958 that the poultry section of Smithfield Meat Market in London suffered a very serious fire that claimed the lives of two LFB members, Station Officer Jack Fourt-Wells and Fireman Richard Stocking. The fire started in the basement that was a maze of passages extending over two acres.
Heavy smoke logging called for very extensive use of Proto breathing apparatus. The two deceased lost their way in the basement and ran out of oxygen.
Pumps were made up to 40 but the fire spread to involve the whole building which collapsed.
DEATH OF GREG BATES, DIVISIONAL COMMANDER (RETIRED) (30/12)
The WRFA has been saddened by the news that GREG BATES has passed away. Greg was the Divisional Commander of the Swindon Division of the Wiltshire Fire Brigade. He died in a secure home where he has been nursed for several years suffering from advanced dementia.
Greg was a member of WRFA until he became ill and although we were more than willing to continue to hold him in membership that was declined. His funeral service was held at North Wilts Crematorium on 5th January 2021.
LINCOLNSHIRE TO APPOINT INTERIM CFO (28/12)
The Fire & Rescue Authority in Lincolnshire has decided to abandon their plan to give the responsibility of running the Fire & Rescue Service to the Deputy Chief Constable. A principal officer already serving in Lincolnshire has been appointed as Chief Fire Officer but only on an interim basis.
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£500 RAISED FOR FIRE FIGHTERS CHARITY (26/12)
£500 has been raised by the sale of the Christmas cards produced by Chris Wannell. Because the production costs were covered by sponsorship every penny of the sum raised will be donated to the Fire Fighters Charity and will be credited to the total raised in Wiltshire.
Because the restrictions imposed by the pandemic stopped planned visits to sell the cards on fire stations the amount sold fell short of expectations. Sales to wholetime staff in Dorset & Wiltshire FRS were very disappointing.
Congratulations are due to Chris for his work on this project which it is hoped will continue next Christmas and beyond.