From BRSLI…
The terrible fire at Notre Dame in Paris made your Editor ponder how Bath Abbey would fare in a blaze? An enquiry to Avon Fire & Rescue produced this reassuring reply from David Lindsay:
“Our records show that Bath Abbey complies with the Fire Service Order 2006. This act ensures that the building is maintained to a high level to ensure the people that use the building are safe. It purpose is also to keep the building as safe as possible from accidental fires starting.
The Notre Dame fire was possibly caused by renovation work being carried out. It’s a sad and unfortunate accident.The French fire service did what they could to save it with the equipment they had.
As for Bath Abbey with regards to firefighting, Avon Fire and Rescue has 4 aerial appliances that would easily reach all parts of the roof. There is also an unlimited water supply via the river.
I hope this answers your questions, you can rest assured that the Abbey is good hands and if for whatever reason it did have a fire in the roof we have the right equipment to deal with it safely”.
What these situations are like can be understood by having a look at the great fire of Windsor:
The local company Donald Insall Associates, just the other side of Queen Square from BRLSI are specialists at dealing with historic buildings:
Donald Insall Associates – Windsor Castle
