An article by the Isle of Wight County Press, revealing details of what caused the devastating Cowes fire that took hold of several industrial units in Medina Village, Cowes at the beginning of the week, has raised the concern of the Chief Fire Officer.
Serious concerns
Executive member for Public Protection, Cllr Phil Jordan, told OnTheWight in the late afternoon there are serious concerns within the Fire Service and council that it appears someone has spoken to the CP revealing details in advance of the investigation report’s official release, due next week.
Alan Marriot, editor of the CP said to OnTheWight, “This was not a “leak” but a question to the fire service that was answered.” Later he added, “.. suffice to say the fire service person concerned was asked officially and asked whether they wanted to be quoted by name or as a spokesman. They said to call them a spokesman.”
The CP article attributes the information to an Isle of Wight fire service spokesman.
Cllr Jordan said,
“The senior officer [Chief Fire Officer] has said to me, we have not formally or officially informed the CP of any of the stuff that’s written on there.”
Given the severity of the blaze and huge impact that it’s had on Cowes – specifically the businesses located at Medina Village – it’s highly unusual that such details would be published ahead of the official report.
“That’s the concern. That’s why the fire service are looking further into this”, Cllr Jordan told OnTheWight.
Report due next week
On Tuesday, the council released a statement advising the investigations by the police and fire service were concluded and that the fire was caused by accident.
Today (Thursday) the Isle of Wight council press office confirmed,
“The fire investigation report is due to be completed, hopefully, next week.”
Image: © Portchester Fire Service
Updated 10:34 Added words from Alan Marriot. 11:59 Added more from AM.
