15th anniversary of Atherstone fire tragedy which claimed four lives

IT’S 15 years today since the tragic events of the fire at Atherstone-on-Stour which killed four local firefighters.

Ashley Stephens, aged 20, and Darren Yates-Badley, aged 24 from Alcester, John Averis, aged 27, formerly of Shipston and based at Stratford Fire Station in addition to Ian Reid, from Stratford, aged 44 all lost their lives in the tragedy.

Up to 100 firefighters, from Warwickshire, Hereford and Worcester and the West Midlands, and five ambulance crews were sent to the blaze at the site owned by Wealmoor Atherstone Ltd on 2nd November 2007.

Traditionally flags at fire stations around the county are lowered to half-mast in tribute and to pause and remember the four firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.