'Does anyone know why the firemen were sent in to the building? As there doesn't appear to have been any other person inside'
Mark
Mark, it appears they were searching for the location of the fire. I've just spoken to one of the crews who entered on the initial search, say's the place is vast, like a rabbit warren inside, his crew searched for the location of the fire.
The crew that perished entered the mezzanine (on guide line)after the crew above had searched and exited, when it appears a flash over occurred.
I'm guessing that the fire may have been going for 40 - 60 minutes minimum, appliance travel time to the incident in the sticks and the duration of the BA set(s).
The Press keep appearing at both Stratford and Alcester asking why crews entered the building... I know I'm out of touch procedurally, but it appears the O/ic did exactly what would have happened when I was in the job, as Kurnal say's, you cannot fight a fire till you locate it.
H&W are doing a sterling job on site; the Urban Rescue crews are beyond praise, the Warwickshire fire crews truly appreciate the risks you are taking in those extremely perilous conditions.
Well done lads, be safe, I pray no harm comes to you.