Fire!

Mon, 2009-12-07 17:15 — janner

Friday 13th November – an unlucky date for Cotham Park’s Failand HQ as a serious fire ripped through the clubhouse late in the evening. Luckily a quick response from the fire brigade ensured damage was kept to a minimum and was not structural. The fire was made safe by 1.30am on Saturday 14th, but left behind a scene of devastation.

Gale force conditions brought a tree near the clubhouse crashing to the ground, bringing the power cables with it. This set alight the Calor gas cylinders, damaging the shower window above but the main damage was caused when the boiler and its fuel ignited and became a towering inferno. The flames were held back for some time by the fire door on the boiler room but caused major smoke damage downstairs and widespread smoke damage upstairs. The boiler room was gutted and nearby wiring burnt out. Fire crews smashed the gate and several doors and windows to gain access, adding to the apocalyptic scenes.

Thanks to our canny committee, our insurance will cover damage to the building, fixtures & fittings; contents of the building; kit & balls and revenue lost due to business interruption. Work has already started on helping the club rise phoenix-like from the ashes – cleaning is nearly finished, and a new boiler will be installed next week. We hope to have most facilities up and running to an operational degree by Christmas.