Bracknell politicians have paid tribute to local people and their generosity during the ferocious industrial fire in Peacock Lane on Bank Holiday Monday.
Residents were evacuated, homes were abandoned and people watched on in horror as two explosions sounded when the Daler-Rowney paint factory went up in flames.
More than 15 fire engines from across Berkshire and Hampshire descended on the scene and battled the blaze which went on for hours.
Ward councillor Georgia Pickering (Labour, Binfield South & Jennett’s Park) was one of the volunteers at Jennett’s Park Community Centre which was opened to welcome any evacuated residents seeking support or a hot drink.
She said: “The fire was obviously very shocking, but I was really pleased and proud to see how the Jennett’s Park Community pulled together.
“Credit to the team at the Community Centre who got the doors open for evacuated people, and to local people for coming down to help.
“It was a much needed reminder that our community spirit is strong and that, fundamentally, people do stand up to be counted when others need help.”
“My thanks also go to the police and fire brigade who were working through the intense heat to keep our community safe.”
Dozens of residents in the neighbourhood adjacent to the paint manufacturing site were evacuated and an evacuation rally point was set up on Monday afternoon at the adjacent Waitrose HQ.
Firefighters worked through the night to get the blaze under control, with residents only given the all-clear to return to their homes late on Tuesday morning (May 26).
Planning chief Guy Gillbe, a local Labour councillor for Easthampstead and Wildridings, told Bracknell News the fire was “awful” but also showed “the community at its best”.
“Residents wrote on social media, and rang me, to offer places for those evacuated overnight.
“Neighbours handing out bottles of cold water to emergency services.
“This is the spirit of Bracknell Forest.”
Residents booked themselves into hotels for the night or waited at the Waitrose rally point for the council to arrange accommodation.
Residents also praised the fire service for controlling the fire and preventing it from spreading to their homes across a narrow bridle path.
