Praise for firefighters (From Gazette Series)

Praise for firefighters

FIREFIGHTERS from Wotton-under-Edge were praised after tackling a raging tree fire in a field in Charfield on Monday.

Peter Lay and his partner, whose home in Woodlands Road adjoins the field, called the fire brigade. Within five minutes a four-person crew was there.

Mr Lay said: "I would like to praise the professionalism of Wotton's retained firefighters.

"With 30 minutes remaining in England's victorious 4-2 clash with Croatia, the crew from Wotton were denied the closing spectacle of the match.

"They devoted over an hour to extinguishing a difficult and potentially very destructive fire.

"They overcame awkward access, rough terrain and a tough job with a cool, analytical and thorough approach.

"It was difficult to believe the crew were part-time retained firefighters who would be off to a 'normal' workplace in the morning along with everybody else.

"Their attitude and commitment to duty was exemplary and more in my view needs to be done to recognise those who give of their time and skills so freely in the interests of community safety."

Mark Schofield, in charge in the chief fire officer's absence, said: "We don't know how the fire started but it was in a hedgerow and could have caused a lot of damage. No one was in danger, however."

Mr Lay added: "At a time when we all complain about taxes and rates, I think this is a good use of public money. It would be inspirational to young people if they could see such commitment in progress."