Former Crewe firefighter ranks biggest fires town has ever faced
By Ryan Parker
4th Sep 2022 | Local News
A former Crewe firefighter has ranked the top three biggest fires Crewe has ever faced - following the release of a brand new book he has written about the town.
Mr Gareth Roberts, who lives in Nantwich, released 'Cooling the Flames of Crewe' this year - containing insightful information about the history of Crewe fire service.
The 66-year-old grew up in North Wales and served as a police officer before training to be a firefighter.
After three months of training, Mr Roberts was asked to serve as a firefighter for Crewe.
Beginning in June 1979, this is a post he remained in until 2009.
Crewe Nub News asked Mr Roberts to rank the biggest three fires Crewe has ever faced - all of which are included in his new book:
1- Fire at Aztec Chemicals - 4 June 2007
Several buildings on Crewe Gates Industrial Estate were on fire after a machine which shreds aerosol cans caught fire.
17 fire engines, along with six specialist units (85 firefighters), tackled the blaze, with reinforcements brought in from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
A hazardous materials unit, aerial appliance and a foam tanker were also at the scene of the incident.
The fire spread to surrounding buildings and sent thick black smoke into the Crewe skyline.
An exclusion zone was set up to keep local residents safe. Residents within the zone were advised to leave their homes.
Businesses and factories within 400 metres were also evacuated. All the industrial estate's surrounding roads were closed.
2- Fire at Crewe Opera House (Lyceum Theatre) - 11 March 1910
A fire started at The New Opera House (Crewe Lyceum Theatre), soon after the audience had left at the end of the pantomime "Dick Whittington and his Cat".
The L and N.W Railway Fire Brigade were called to help tackle the blaze.
The origin of the fire which completely destroyed the building was never discovered.
A dropped cigarette in one of the dressing rooms was suspected.
The theatre was rebuilt to the design of a Scottish architect Mr Albert Winstanley.
The new building, called the New Theatre, was opened on September 4, 1911.
3- Fire at British Rail General Offices - June 1983
This devastating fire took place in the summer of 1983 - four years into Mr Roberts' career.
The British Rail General Offices was located close to Crewe town centre.
This blaze damaged the entire building - leaving piles of rubble and half-destroyed walls.
All three of these huge fire incidents will never be forgotten in Crewe.
What does Gareth Roberts make of his time as a Crewe firefighter?
Mr Roberts told Nub News: "There have been quite a few large fires in Crewe over the years.
"When you are a young fireman, you think that was what the job was all about, but you look back and think that was actually really scary."
"I stayed in Crewe throughout my career. I think the place does grow on you the more you are here.
"As a town I find the area very appealing. You are close to other cities and also North Wales."
Over 100 copies of Mr Roberts' 'Cooling the Flames of Crewe' book have now been sold.
To reserve a copy please contact Mr Roberts via email: [email protected] or mobile: (07583891047).
READ MORE: Popular Crewe Chinese takeaway closes down after more than 20 years in business.
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