Press Release

Emergency help at Warwickshire fire

05.11.2007

As more than 80 firefighters battled against a massive blaze in Warwickshire at the weekend – in which four firefighters are believed to have lost their lives – British Red Cross volunteers were on hand to offer support.

The fire broke out in the early evening on 2 November at a vegetable sorting plant in Atherstone on Stour, Warwickshire. As 16 fire engines fought to contain the flames, the Red Cross’ fire and emergency support service (FESS) was called out.

When they reached the scene, FESS coordinator Jeff Stevens and volunteer Sarah Campbell were immediately told by the chief fire officer that four firefighters were missing inside the building, feared dead. With the fire still raging and conditions worsening, they began what would be a long night providing support for the remaining fire crew members.

Support

Later that night, the FESS vehicle transported the fire crews back to their stations where they were reunited with their families and the families of those still missing.

The FESS team then worked throughout the night – alongside critical incident debrief teams and occupational health nurses – offering practical help and support to the exhausted and traumatised firefighters.

Both Sarah and Jeff remained constantly on hand to provide support in very distressing circumstances. The evening was particularly difficult for Jeff Stevens who, as an ex-senior firefighter in Warwickshire, personally knew all four of those who had been lost. In spite of this, the team stayed on duty for eight hours, only returning to their base once everyone from the fire stations had gone home.

Keith Nevitt, emergency response manager, said: “I’m extremely saddened at the events that unfolded on Friday night, but also extremely proud of our FESS team who were there all night to provide psycho-social support to the fire crews. Their presence made a huge difference.”