THIS year marks 30 years since flames tore through Windsor Castle prompting a huge emergency response across Berkshire as the fire broke out on the morning of November 20, 1992.
Firefighters from six counties, including Berkshire, London, Oxfordshire, Surrey, Buckinghamshire and Hampshire were scrambled to the scene to tackle the major fire.
They worked for around nine hours to bring the fire under control using firefighting jets, aerial appliances and cutting fire breaks in the thick lead-covered roofs.
Due to their skill, courage, and tenacity they succeeded in bringing the main fire under control, although the teams continued for another three hours before flames were finally extinguished.
Ultimately, 36 pumping appliances, seven specialist units, 25 officers and more than 200 firefighters were deployed before the fire was deemed to be fully under control.
This 30-year anniversary is particularly poignant as it falls so close to the sad death of Her Late Majesty, and her platinum jubilee celebrations.
Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was in residence at the time of the fire in 1992.
To remember this historic incident, local fire service staff have been recollecting their memories of being at the devastating scene and paying tribute to Her Late Majesty.
Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service group manager for West Hub Paul Thomas has just been awarded his 30 year Long Service Good Conduct medal. He was just six weeks into his firefighting career when he was called to the Windsor Castle Fire from Dee Road Fire Station, Reading, he said: “I always remember getting taken up on the Hydraulic Platform, over the top of the building.
"It was just completely glowing red inside and the Brunswick Tower was just like a huge candle. It was highlighted over the night sky and I’ll never forget that."
He added: “It’s fantastic to see it all rebuilt because, at the time, you’d imagine ‘how is anyone going to get this back to its original state from the amount of damage that was caused.’
"It’s incredible how they’ve put it back together - it looks exactly the same as it did.”
Chief Fire Officer Wayne Bowcock said: “It is difficult to believe that 30 years have passed since this monumental incident, which is undoubtedly one of the most significant that Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service has dealt with.
“It is testimony to the skill of the firefighters in attendance that the incident was managed safely and there were no serious injuries to staff at the Castle or within the Fire and Rescue services.”
If you wish to share your memories of the devastating fire at Windsor Castle or were involved in the rebuild and recovery of the building, please email daisy.waites@newsquest.co.uk
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