January 09, 2012
Former fireman’s new role at Plymouth Community Homes
A new fire safety manager has been recruited by Plymouth Community Homes to ensure fire safety remains a top priority.
Former city fireman Bill Grantham is responsible for making sure PCH is meeting fire safety legislation.
His first tasks have been visiting estates to examine areas like stairways and doors to ensure blocks are as safe as they can be.
Another area that Bill is looking at are policies on mobility scooter storage, communal areas and security gates and grills. These are currently out to consultation with resident groups.
Bill began his career with Devon Fire Service in 1973 and retired in 2006. After serving as a fireman, he moved into fire safety management.
He was a serving officer at the time of the big Dingles fire in 1988 – although he wasn’t called out on that job.
He did, however, attend the Ford Road Boxing Club fire, which he says was a scary experience.
”We thought we were going to get stuck inside,” he said, “I also attended a fire on the Ark Royal in the 1970s. It was fairly disconcerting going into the boiler room.
”Fortunately, Plymouth has not had more than four or five really big fire incidents. There have been some big jobs but they’ve been fairly anonymous.
”You do get a certain amount of satisfaction as a fireman that you have put a blaze out.”
If you would like to know more about fire, gas and electrical safety in your home, please go to:
http://www.plymouthcommunityhomes.co.uk/your-home/tenancies-and-estates/safety-advice/.
