Fire in Mill Lane, Hookwood
This page is about our response to the fire in Horley on 6 July 2010.
On Tuesday July 6 July a fire broke out in a workshop in Mill Lane, Hookwood which led to a number of residents from neighbouring Mole Valley being evacuated from their homes, late that evening.
The workshop contained acetylene cylinders, which are highly flammable and volatile and this led to the decision by Surrey Fire & Rescue Service to immediately clear the area. The cause of the fire is still unknown and is being investigated.
Shelter and refreshments
Reigate & Banstead Borough Council championed the situation, providing assistance to Mole Valley District Council by opening Regent Hall Community Centre within ten minutes. This centre provided shelter and refreshments for the affected residents, whilst Mole Valley District Council sourced overnight accommodation.
Representatives from Surrey County Council social services also arrived to enable efficient registration of these residents. The Centre was staffed all night by Reigate & Banstead manager Kim Jocelyn and volunteer Gina Pinion to ensure a couple were able to remain with their dog, and any additional residents would received support and assistance.
Safe by 5pm
The next day, plans were made to ensure that residents who were still unable to access their homes, would be able to stay in a local hotel for another night. Throughout this time the Rest Centre provided food, drink and shelter to residents who were in good spirits and appreciated the efforts made to ensure they were well looked after.
By 5pm the situation had taken another direction, after a risk assessment provided the good news that the area was safe and residents were able to return to their homes.
Assistance to Mole Valley District Council
Graham Cook, Director of Services to the Community said: "The Council was fully equipped and able to lend assistance to Mole Valley District Council at such a time. I am very pleased with the quick and efficient response from our staff – well done to everyone".
Contact
Telephone: 01737 276007
Email: contingency.planning@reigate-banstead.gov.uk
Last updated : 20/07/2010
