Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Police Headquarters

I had a chimney fire on the evening of the 15 February. at my home in Pamber Heath.
The crew respondend very quickly to my 999 call asking for the FIRE service.

The operator took my details and the reason for the call, in a very professional and calm manner,.

She advised me that a tender was on its way and that we should vacate the premises.

The tender arrived at my house in approx 5 minutes and the Chief listened to my explanations about the fire.. Then detailed his team to their tasks

A walkway to the Wood Burn9ing Stove in our lounge was established from the front door, by laying a polythene sheet over the mats and carpets.

The crew knew their duties and responded as a well drilled team.

It was quickly established that the fire was not up through the chimney, but situated behind the Register plate (sealing the stove to the fireplkace /chimney).

I was very impressed by the way the operatives coordinated to clear the stove and detach the register plate.,.They then removed the materials, which were aflame, out of the house.to a safe area.

When it appeared, that the fire was safely out, the chief detailed members of the crew to ensure that there was no fire up the flu..

After this was completed, a thermal sensor and visual confirmations from the back garden and from the tender were used to ensure that the fire had been completely extinguished.

Subsequently, all of trhe tender's equipment was stowed away and the area around the fire place cleaned thoroughly.

I would be very greatfull to your staff at the HQ, if you could pass on my gratitude and admiration for a job very well done!!!.

Subsequently, I learned that the crew consisted mainly of Retained Firemen / Girls from the local area.

Thank god that the Tadley station remains a viable unit.

I am not pleased however, that it is intended to dilute the station's capability, by down grading the station's fire fighting vehicle..

If you knew what HFRS was like to work for, you would give HFRS one star too!!!!

Poorly trained and inexperienced officers are told "if you dont like it, find another job and leave" for simply asking for help and support of a ranked Officer.

With so many posts unfilled and the community safety already being put at risk, the attitude from the top needs to change, because being proud to wear the uniform wont stop staff leaving!

Having served in HMF & living in Hampshire during my military service l was saddened to learn how you went about arresting a vetran over a Comment made on Facebook.
You have just added to why Police officers are losing support from members of the public

D Sellers RAMC