THE Fire Brigades Union this week expressed concern over moves to arrest three incident managers over the deaths of four firefighters at a warehouse fire in Atherstone-on-Stour in November 2007.

The blaze at a vegetable packing plant claimed the lives of Alcester-based firefighters Ashley Stephens, 20, and Darren Yates-Badley, 24 as well as John Averis, 27, who was based in Stratford, and Rugby-based Ian Reid.

Three people were arrested in connection with the fire last May on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
At the time, a joint investigation by Warwickshire Police and the the Health and Safety Executive was continuing - and now three brigade managers have been told, by letter, to attend a Warwickshire Police station where they have been told they will be arrested and interviewed under caution.

All three were involved in the incident command process and may face allegations of gross negligence and manslaughter in relation to the deaths.
Matt Wrack, FBU General Secretary, said: "It is important for the families and colleagues of those who died to establish what happened. It is important that all fire services learn all the lessons from this incident and we support that aim.
"We are concerned at the move to arrest these individuals at this stage when all other key players have not even been interviewed. We understand that, even two years after the deaths, all very top corporate managers - who may have critical information - have still not even been interviewed.

"Evidence from our own on-going investigation suggests there may be systemic failings. Any systemic failings within Warwickshire Fire Service, if they are established, would be the responsibility of the fire authority."

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