I would like to make it clear that this is only the opinion of a layman and in no way do I wish to criticise or offend anybody.

Having said that I would like to say that I found it a bit strange that so much water was used to put out the fire at the San Gwann industrial estate last weak. It is my opinion that water is not the ideal medium to extinguish fire, especially when burning fuels and oils are involved. It is a fact that oil rises to the surface when mixed with water, so water that runs is a carrier for burning oil. I assume that this was the cause at one point of the rescue operation as the fire ran toward the firemen and their equipment.

So much water was used that both the local and Gozo fire engines ran out and water bowser suppliers had to be called in. The ideal medium is foam, some of which was actually brought from the airport I believe. But why is it only available there, and not in large quantities, either. And once there was not enough couldn’t something else be used. It is only an idea that crossed my mind; couldn’t some sort of contraption like those used to pump gravel on roofs and in big areas be used to throw gravel, chipping and /or sand over the fire thus cutting the oxygen supply to stop the fire. Perhaps it is easier said than done. However I think that someone should come up with some idea and the fire section should be prepared in the future should we ever have similar incidents. Hopefully we will not need them but it is better to be safe than sorry. Lives should be protected as well as property, equipment and machinery.

I remember very clearly when some years back I was filming a fire fighting exercise at the airport for television. An aircraft was showered with fuel and set on fire. The fire-fighters were to approach the aircraft and put out the flames when the fire was at its worst. I was advised to be ready as this would only take a few seconds. I was more than surprised as the flames were more than a storey high but believe me the fire was out in less than 20 seconds. I couldn’t believe my own eyes and I learnt a lesson I shall never forget.

It is true that this could be a more expensive

way but is money more important than human lives and don’t buildings and machinery cost money too!?

Alfred Brincat

BIRKIRKARA