Veteran to the rescue at Wanborough (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Veteran to the rescue at Wanborough

12:31pm Thursday 30th June 2011 in Swindon

Retired fireman Chris Wannell leapt into action with his vintage 1959 fire engine when he realised a caravan was on fire.

Retired fireman Mr Wannell, 67, was at the Strawberries and Steam event in Wanborough with his vintage 1959 Commer when a small gas leak sparked the caravan fire.

And, having served as the fire officer in charge of Wootton Bassett during his 32 years as a full-time and retained firefighter, Mr Wannell, of Noremarsh Road, was well prepared.

“I always keep it operationally fit, in firefighters’ terms, because the most embarrassing thing would be to say ‘I can’t help’,” he said.

“We were sitting by the steam section – we use it to supply water to the steamers. We were just sitting having a cup of tea and a chat when the stewards came over.

“I dropped the cup and we sprung into action. It was a small incident and by the time we got there the stewards had contained it with a powdered fire extinguisher.”

Mr Wannell, a Wootton Bassett town councillor and former mayor, had to use one of his vintage engines once before.

He said: “I make sure we are able to deal with any incident and this is the first time in a long time we have had to use one of the engines.

“It is a buzz and I think if you have ever been a retained or full-time fireman you get that rush of adrenaline.

“But I would only assist until the county brigade attended as they are the ones who are best equipped.”

No one was hurt and a fire officer from Wiltshire Fire and Rescue ensured it was under control. The caravan sustained minor damage.