Saxon Motel Fire Preston New Rd Blackburn

This fire occurred early evening on 28th Nov 1974, I was driving the third pump UCB 302L that day, yes , we had the luxury of three pumping appliances back in the good old days.

I recall that on arrival the fire was in a advanced state and we were tasked to provide water from a small stream via  a light portable pump which was sited in a field some considerable distance away on Preston New Rd. As is usual in these circumstances their was insufficient water to provide a good working Jet a alternative supply was found via a 6 inch 150mm Hydrant about 1/2 mile back up the main ring road Yew Tree Drive, which did provide enough water to feed the Turntable Ladder Monitor.

I recall a rather amusing moment but not at the time, the Oic of my pump informed me enroute that he had left his firefighting kit on the floor of the Fire Station Appliance Room, and could he use mine because I was the driver pump operator, I reluctantly ageed.

Well into fire fighting operations I am stood at the control panel of the fire pump and was approach by a Divisional Officer and asked why I was improperly dressed on the fire ground, all  could say is that the OIC had my kit on his was still on the fire station. He shrugged his shoulders and walked off, I often wonder if I would have said I have left it whether I would have been disciplined.