28 October 2021
A fire in a hangar at Bodmin Airfield earlier this week could have been a lot worse had a pilot staying near to the airfield hadn’t been there to push aircraft to safety.
According to a report on BBC News, Andy Wilkins was on holiday at a caravan site close to the airfield. He heard a loud bang and then single-handedly pushed three aircraft out of the hangar, probably saving another five by creating a fire break.
“I came out and saw flames coming out, called 999 and thought the next priority was to get the aircraft out of the hangar,” Mr Wilkins told BBC News.
“They’re important to us and the flying club and I just got them out. I’m a bit stiff this morning.”
Darren Fern, chairman of Bodmin Flying Club, told the BBC, “If all of the aircraft had been lost, there’s potentially up to a million pounds worth of aircraft sitting here and Andy saved those.
“The fire brigade did a brilliant job of containing it but by emptying the hangar that was next door to it, it gave us a firebreak that saved all of the others so to do that all, virtually on his own, was an amazing job.”
Fire crews from all over Cornwall were sent to the fire. The cause has yet to be established.
Bodmin Airfield is open and flying again! Photo: Cornwall Flying Club
A statement on Facebook by Cornwall Flying Club said, “All aircraft in the club hangars survived. Power is back on and we have running water where it should be.
“Our briefing rooms are destroyed but we will rebuild them. Briefings will have to take place in the clubhouse, where the cafe is still open and fresh coffee available.
“Thanks to the emergency services for containing the damage to our building. It could have been so much worse had there been no-one on site to raise the alarm.”
