STAFF at an Aldenham school have been praised by the commander of Radlett Fire Station for the smooth and successful evacuation of 40 children after a fire broke out in a classroom.

Mr Tony Smith, Station Commander at Radlett Fire Station, praised headteacher of Edge Grove School John Waugh for the prompt action he took when a fire was detected in the school's art room on Saturday, June 29, at about 8pm.

The firefighter attributed the cause of the blaze at the school in High Cross, Aldenham to an electrical light fitting on the first floor of the building, which then set the roof timbers alight.

He said: "The fire could have been disastrous, the school went through seven fire extinguishers in an attempt to put the flames out. With the support of an appliance, from Borehamwood, and breathing apparatus, we managed to put out the flames quickly."

He said: "Edge Grove School is a boarding school, so pupils and staff were evacuated from the building. We think the staff carried out their fire-drill superbly, it was done in a calm and prompt manner. I believe the building was saved because a member of staff noticed the fire very quickly."

July 3, 2002 17:00