Date: 9th November, 2016
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service will be working with colleagues from Swindon Borough Council and other agencies over the next few days to support the communities affected by Monday night’s fire in Manchester Road, Swindon.
Six people were taken to hospital following the blaze (overnight on 6/7 November), with four of them seriously injured.
During the remainder of this week, Fire and Rescue Service personnel will be spending time in the Manchester Road area, using the local mosque as a base, where there will also be an attendance by Wiltshire Police.
Supported by staff from Swindon Borough Council, they will be available to provide reassurance and also promote Safe & Well visits.
Group Manager Glyn Moody, Deputy Area Commander for Swindon, said: “This was an awful fire that has impacted on the whole community and, understandably, has caused a lot of worry for people. We want to show our support to them as they come to terms with what has happened, and to help them ensure that their own families are as protected as they can be from the risk of fire.”
Cllr Oliver Donachie, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, said: “Everyone at the Council was shocked and saddened by this terrible fire and our thoughts go out to the families of those involved. We will be working closely with our Fire Service and Police colleagues to provide as much support as we possibly can to those people affected by the incident and those living within the local community.”
Superintendent Charlie Armstrong, from Wiltshire Police, said: “We will be at the mosque to support people in this community during what is a difficult time for those living here. Not only will this give local people a central meeting point to come together, but also reassurance through the fire prevention advice available. Police officers will also be on hand to give reassurance and listen to anyone who may want to give additional information to help our enquiries.”
Fire investigators are working with the police to establish how the blaze started, and that work is on-going.
Anyone who would like a Safe & Well visit from the Fire and Rescue Service can:
- Call free on 0800 038 2323; or
- Visit dwfire.org.uk/safe-and-well-visits