Following a recent wildlife on Chobham Common, Michael Gove MP visited Camberley Fire Station to discuss the response of our Fire & Rescue Service with local Cllr. Mike Goodman and SFRS Chief Fire Officer Steve Owen-Hughes.
Commenting, Michael said:
"I had the opportunity today to thank the Surrey Fire and Rescue Service personnel who've done such a great job in fighting the fire which caused such damage to Chobham Common.
"I visited Camberley Fire Station to discuss the response to the fire with Surrey's Chief Fire Officer Steve Owen-Hughes and the dedicated team based there, before inspecting the damage done to the Common.
"I was joined by the County Councillor for Chobham and Windlesham, my old friend Mike Goodman, and Denise Turner-Stewart, the County Council Cabinet Member for Communities, as well as James Adler, of Surrey Wildlife Trust, who works so hard to maintain the superb natural environment of the Common.
"The initial response to the fire was led by Gary Locker, the SFRS Strategic Commander on duty last Friday. He quickly designated the fire a Major Incident, triggering a co-ordinated national response and marshalling support from 8 fire brigades in total.
"Recent investment in modernised kit, including the Unimog vehicle based in Camberley, allowed thousands of litres of water to be directed effectively and at speed at the fire, allowing it to be brought under control and then suppressed.
"Operating from a quickly established Fire Control Centre in Longcross, firefighters worked tirelessly night and day to restrict the damage done by the fire and protect lives. Thanks to their heroic efforts, homes, lives and acres of precious natural environment were protected.
"Chobham Common is lowland heathland, a rare and exceptionally valuable habitat, especially for ground-nesting birds, reptiles and other wildlife. As James Adler explained to me, the loss of wildlife has been significant, but heathland can regenerate quickly. We must, however, learn from the experience of the past week and make sure we have adequate firebreaks and other protection in place to prevent damage in the future.
"The firefighters I talked to were very grateful for the generous community support shown by residents in Chobham, Windlesham and beyond. While all crews carry rations in their response vehicles, and food was provided by a local catering organisation at the Control Centre in Longcross, the donations of meals, snacks, soft drinks and so much more from residents was hugely appreciated.
"The professionalism of our firefighters is second to none, their courage and commitment inspirational and I'd like to thank them, and local leaders such as Steve and Gary, for their great work."
Pictured, Michael Gove MP with Cllr. Mike Goodman
