Dog saves school from burning down
Published: September 22, 2006
A DOG helped to save a Ware school from burning down at the hands of arsonists.
The barking of Sukie, a springer spaniel cross, alerted her owner to the raging fire that shut St Mary’s Junior School this week.
It is believed arsonists set a wheelie bin alight at the school in Heath Drive on Sunday evening. The flames spread to the kitchen and kiln room and caused smoke damage to the rest of the building.
Sukie’s owner, whose house backs onto the school, raised the alarm at 11.10pm.
“I couldn’t smell the smoke at all, but obviously Sukie could and she didn’t stop barking,” said the woman, who did not wish to be named. “I could hear what sounded like twigs crackling so I went to investigate.”
She dialled 999 and fire crews from Hertford quickly arrived. They had extinguished the blaze by midnight.
On Monday, health and safety officers visited and ruled that the school should remain shut all week. Neighbouring Kingshill Infant School was closed for one day on police advice but reopened on Tuesday.
Andrew Cosslett, St Mary’s headteacher, said: “The whole community has been shocked by the mindless event, which has caused so much disruption to the local area and, most importantly, to our children’s learning.”
Many parents have had to take the week off work to look after their children.
Jayne Travers, of Chiltern Close, had to use a week’s holiday to care for daughters Faye and Meg.
She said: “I’m absolutely devastated that this has happened at our school.
“The kids have only been back for nine days and now they’re off another week. It’s so disruptive for them and it’s such a waste of time for everybody.
“It’s usually such a safe area and it’s such a wonderful school.”
Heath Drive resident Glenda Fitt, whose granddaughter is a St Mary’s pupil, said: “We’ve been here 40 years and we’ve never really had the yobbish element before now.”
Hertford fire station commander Malcolm Sawdy said: “Schools are very vulnerable as an easy target for arsonists, especially during evenings and weekends, and it’s vitally important that they recognise this and take steps to reduce the risk.”
He urged all schools to take up the offer of a free audit where a fire officer and, if requested, a police officer will assess potential danger spots and offer advice.
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