Belper care home residents thank firefighters who kept them safe during dramatic chapel fire
Residents and staff at a Derbyshire care home welcomed local firefighters for a special thank-you after crews worked through the night to tackle a serious fire metres from the home.
Staff, residents and firefighters at Kilburn Care Centre
Kilburn Care Centre in Kilburn near Belper, part of Aurem Care, invited firefighters from Ripley Fire Station to the home after a blaze broke out at a neighbouring chapel.
More than six fire engines and several police units attended the incident, which saw firefighters work through the night to bring the blaze under control and protect surrounding properties.
With the fire in close proximity care home staff immediately put emergency procedures into action. Residents were moved away from the area of the home closest to the fire as part of a precautionary zone evacuation, while staff maintained regular communication with the fire service and prepared for a full evacuation should it become necessary.
To show their appreciation to the emergency services, Kilburn invited firefighters to visit and laid on refreshments including hot sausage and bacon cobs, cakes, cookies and doughnuts, together with hot and cold drinks.
Residents had the opportunity to personally thank them for keeping them safe, while the crews spent time chatting and sharing stories with them.
For crew members unable to attend, Kilburn sent chocolates, biscuits and other refreshments back to the station, along with a thank-you card expressing the home's appreciation.
Resident Yvonne Wilkes read the message of thanks to the firefighters during their visit.
She said: “I was a little shaken that night, but the carers made me a cup of tea and sat with me until I was allowed to go back to bed.
“They made me feel safe, and I’m so grateful for that. These firemen deserve the world for what they do. It’s been a fabulous afternoon spent with them.”
Carrianne Fearn, deputy manager at Kilburn Care Centre, was on call on the night of the fire. She said: “It was the call we all dread, the kind of call that immediately creates fear and concern for both our residents and our staff.
“The team at Kilburn was absolutely fabulous. They acted quickly and kept resident safety at the forefront of everything they did.
“Our team was also incredibly well supported by the fire service throughout the incident, and their dedication and professionalism certainly did not go unnoticed.
“We felt it was important to show our gratitude for the work they do every day to protect and support our community.
“It was wonderful to welcome the firefighters back to Kilburn in much happier circumstances and to see our residents enjoying their company. What was a very worrying night has led to a lovely connection with the people who worked so hard to keep us safe.”
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