St Paul's Primary School on Fire (updated)

Smoke Billowing Out and Roofs Destroyed

This is the view of St Paul's School at half past nine this (Thursday) morning.

Firefighters tackled a fire affecting a school on St Pauls Road in Brentford this morning. Part of the roof of the school was severely damaged by the blaze.

Station Manager Daniel Hallissey, from Kensington fire station, who was at the scene, said:

"The school has a community centre next door to it, where there was a playgroup taking place. Four adults and 19 children moved to a safe place before firefighters arrived and no one was hurt. The fire created a lot of smoke, so the incident was quite visible. Crews worked very hard in challenging conditions."

Eight fire engines from Chiswick, Acton, Ealing, Richmond, Hammersmith, Fulham, and Heston fire stations were at the scene with two aerial ladder platforms. Around 60 firefighters and officers worked to put the fire out.

The Brigade was called at 0910 and the fire was under control at 1059.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Morrisons car park is currently closed due to being full of Fire Brigade vehicles.

Parents and children concerned about September school places should keep an eye on this site. As soon as plans have been put into place they'll be here.

The Governing Body of the School and the London Diocesan Board for Schools are working on an emergency plan to set up a temporary school and further information will be given (by them) as soon as possible.

Mr Glenn Greene, Chair of Governors said " As many of you know there was a serious fire at St Paul’s School today. The governors, staff and LDBS are working together to ensure that the whole school is kept together and we will give more information to you as soon as possible. It may not be possible to open fully on the 4th September and, if this is the case, we will make arrangements for a school club for those children whose parents/carers are not able to make alternative arrangements until the school is able to operate fully again. If you have any issues please email Mrs Churcher at office@stpauls.hounslow.sch.uk who will coordinate all communications. Thank you for your patience."

Sara Ward, Vice Chair of the Governors of St Paul's said "We are very sad to have discovered today that our school building, St Paul's Brentford, has suffered a serious fire. We are pleased to say that no-one was hurt and are very thankful to all from the London Fire Brigade who worked so hard to bring the fire under control so quickly. Our responsibility to our children and their families is paramount and we are planning together with the London Diocesan Board for Schools to set up a temporary school allowing the children to continue with their education and will be able to give more information as plans are confirmed. Thank you for the many messages of concern, we really value the support of the local community. "

August 15, 2013