WITH reference to your front page story ‘Steam Rally up in smoke after blaze’ (September 17), I was also an eyewitness and I have a number of comments.

I was at this most enjoyable rally and close to the fire when it started.

I do not share the view of your quoted eyewitness (who did not wish to be named) that there were safety concerns.

Within seconds of the blaze starting, the first jets of water were being directed at it from nearby fire extinguishers.

Very shortly after a tractor and high capacity water bowser with pump arrived and soon after that the on-site fire appliance was also fighting the fire.

Far from no-one taking control, the rally organiser was himself playing a fire extinguisher over a nearby generator to keep its petrol tank cool and other vehicles were being removed from the scene, ensuring the fire had nowhere else to spread.

The fire developed with great rapidity, as can be expected from caravan fires, and by the time the first of the county appliances arrived the fire was much diminished.

Quick thinking and prompt action, not a “miracle”, considerably reduced the impact of this fire which is still being investigated.

Rob Newman Stoke Prior