Arson at Somerset school
A fire that started in a school in Somerset while 1,242 pupils worked in their classrooms was started deliberately.
The fire was started at around 2.30pm on 14th July in the old school hall. It was attended by seven fire engines and several specialist support appliances from Avon Fire and Rescue Service and Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.
Deputy headteacher Will Roberts said: “The expertise and professionalism of the fire brigade and police was very evident and the situation was handled by them with great skill. We have also thanked our students who remained very calm and patient. Although the fire is a setback, the good news is that nobody was injured, and the sports centre can return to a nearly normal service almost immediately.”
The fire was spotted by a member of staff before the fire alarms sounded and immediately alerted the emergency services.
The building has suffered extensive damage but no casualties were reported in the incident.
Taunton Town Football Club seriously damaged in blaze
A fire has seriously damaged newly renovated Taunton Town Football Club.
10 fire engines from Taunton, Bridgwater, Wiveliscombe, Tiverton, Burnham and Wellington attended the fire at Taunton Town Football Club which broke out in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
The fire severely damaged the members bar and the roof of the building also suffered substantial damage.
Kevin Sturmey from the club said: “So many people have worked so hard so this is upsetting for everyone involved. But when this kind of thing happens the important thing is that no one was in there and there are no injuries.”
It is not known what caused the fire but it is not being treated as suspicious.
Fire at Taunton Town Football Club
A fire at Taunton Town Football Club that broke out at around 12.30am on Tuesday is not being treated as suspicious.
Ten fire engines from Taunton, Bridgwater, Wiveliscombe, Tiverton, Burnham and Wellington attended the fire which severely damaged the members bar and the roof.
The club had recently undergone costly renovations.
Kevin Sturmey, club chairman and chief executive said: “So many people have worked so hard so this is upsetting for everyone involved. But when this kind of thing happens the important thing is that no one was in there and there are no injuries. When I got here flames were coming through the roof.”
The building has suffered around 30% damage from the fire and 80% of the structure has been affected by smoke.
The exact cause of the fire is currently unknown but an investigation is now being carried out to determine how the fire started.
1500 evacuated as fire breaks out in top London hotel
A fire which broke out in London’s Park Lane Hilton hotel on Friday evening resulted in the evacuation of over 1,500. Amongst those evacuated was Black Eyed Peas singer Will-i-am who was in London to perform at a festival in Hyde Park.
Fifty firefighters battled the fire for around seven hours after being alerted to smoke in a second floor kitchen and in the basement. Six fire engines and an aerial platform were used at the incident.
Police reports confirm that there were no casualties in the fire.
Woodland destroyed in forest fire
A huge fire broke out at Hartlebury Common on 25th May damaging about 2000 square metres of woodland.
Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service were alerted at about 5.50pm after receiving over 50 calls from the public.
The incident was tackled by 2 fire engines from Kidderminster and additional fire engines from Stourport, Droitwich, Worcester and Bromsgrove later joined the scene.
Chris George-Burnell from the fire service said: “With the gusty wind conditions and flames up to 35 metres high at times, crews had to work really hard to surround this fire and bring it under control.”
The cause of the fire is not known. SC George-Burnell urged members of the public to ensure that in periods of dry weather they be extra vigilant and to ensure that cigarettes and matches are disposed of properly.