Alex Willmott
Lancashire Telegraph


A firefighter who suffered a broken bone in his back after falling through a floor whilst tackling an arson has hit out at those responsible.

Bacup firefighter Chris Farrow was injured responding to a blaze at Albert Mill, Whitworth, on Friday night and is currently recovering in Rochdale Infirmary.

The Market Street site, which has been described as a magnet for vandals, was attended by a 30 firefighters who had to prevent several acetylene cylinders from exploding after arsonists started a rubbish fire.

Speaking from the hospital, Mr Farrow, who was rescued from the building by colleagues, said: "I have been asked for my views on whoever started the fire that resulted in my injury.

"All I can say is that as a firefighter committed to making a positive contribution to the communities we serve it's difficult to understand what motivates someone to take the opposite view.

"I wonder whether they realise the possible consequences of arson and that it can put firefighters' lives on the line in addition to destroying property and endangering the livelihoods of those affected by businesses closed due to arson."

Chief Fire Officer, Peter Holland, said that firefighter Farrow could have lost his life in the arson attack.

He said: "Arson is a deplorable crime which can quite easily take the lives of firefighters and those in the surrounding area.

"We are fortunate that in this instance Chris survived the arson attack, but it could have quite easily been a different story.

"We wish him all the best in his recovery and pay our respect to the officers who took part in the rescue."

Residents in the Rossendale town were warned to stay indoors after an exclusion zone of 200 metres was set up amid fears the cylinders could explode.

Police are now appealing for anyone with information about the arson to come forward.

Mr Farrow added he would like to thank everyone who had wished him a speedy recovery and the colleagues who came to his rescue.

Anyone with information should contact Crimestoppers anonymously call 0800 555111.

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May 19, 2009