Blaze at Bristol Supermarket Sparks Major Fire Rescue
On February 4, 1996, just after midday, Avon Fire Brigade (now Avon Fire and Rescue Service) sprang into action. At 12:46 p.m., a 999 call reported a fire ripping through Leo’s Supermarket in Staple Hill, Bristol.
Firefighters Rush to Scene as Smoke Billows
Two fire engines raced to the blaze. Upon arrival, thick smoke poured from the building. The officer in charge quickly called for backup, ordering “Make Pumps 4” — doubling the fire crews to four engines.
Heroes Enter Hazard to Search for Trapped Shoppers
Reports said people were trapped inside. Firefighters donned breathing apparatus and plunged into the smoky inferno to search for survivors. Among them were Fleur and her partner, firefighter Robert Seaman, ready to risk it all to save lives.
