Fire at York Racecourse – Ebor Stand 04/07/07

  Date:   04/07/07

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has successfully dealt with a serious fire at York Racecourse. The first of a number of calls were received at 1901 on Tuesday night, reporting a fire on the fifth floor. Fire Control mobilised two fire appliances and an Aerial Ladder Platform from York.

On arrival, crews discovered smoke issuing from the fifth floor of the Ebor stand. The Officer in charge immediately called for three further appliances, and an additional Aerial Ladder Platform, which arrived quickly. In total five fire appliances, two Aerial Ladder Platforms and three support officers were in attendance. Over 40 Firefighters dealt with this incident.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus were deployed to the fifth and third floor of the stand, and contained the fire quickly. Further fire spread was limited and the fire extinguished using main jets.

Fire Service spokesperson, Station Manager Carl Boasman says "Our crews arrived to discover a potentially serious fire, which was rapidly developing.  Watch Managers Carl Vinand and Richard Marlein quickly formulated an effective plan to contain the fire and extinguish it." He continues "Fires in high rise buildings present the Fire and Rescue Service with a number of challenges. On this occasion, it is credit to our Firefighters that this incident was brought under control swiftly." He concludes "A large number of staff and guests were evacuated from other parts of the building when the fire was reported. No one was injured at this incident and this demonstrated the benefits of holding regular fire drills and evacuations. When fire breaks out, time is of the essence and staff at the racecourse knew exactly what to do in the event of fire."