A FIREFIGHTER based in the New Forest has retired after 31 years.
Burley fire watch manager Tim Gray was praised for service during a presentation at the Burley Club.
Soon after joining the fire service Tim tackled one of largest heathland fires ever in the Forest. Flames swept across Bratley Plain, forcing the authorities to close the busy A31.
Tim said: “More than 60 firefighters were called to the huge outbreak. We managed to stop the flames from crossing the A31, although they did reach the central reservation. I’ll miss the camaraderie but not the turning out in the middle of a freezing cold winter’s night.”
Tim has attended countless fires, accidents and animal rescues, plus several incidents in Southampton docks. The scariest moment in his career occurred during a thatched cottage fire at Blissford. The roof caved in, burying Tim and several of his colleagues in burning thatch, but they all escaped with minor injuries.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here