Mayor Jones praises local fire service

The Lockyer Valley is recouping after losing an iconic building in Gatton's CBD overnight but the damage could have been far worse according to Lockyer Valley Mayor, Steve Jones, had it not been for the tireless efforts of the Gatton Auxillary Fire Service, and other services who responded so quickly last night.

It is an extraordinary effort by the fire service to respond so quickly, he said.

Their response was phenomenal and potentially saved half of the western side of Gatton's main street from being engulfed in the fire which destroyed the Imperial Hotel.

Considering these are not full-time fire fighters who live in a country region, this is a truly remarkable effort.

After the first 000 call was made Mayor Jones said the local Auxiallary was on the scene battling the blaze within eight minutes.

This morning I heard some ridiculous comments made in the media about the fire siren not going off which is extremely disappointing. The response was exceptional regardless of the siren, he said.

The siren was originally designed in a time when we didn't have mobile phones and pagers etc.

These days the fire service has access to some of the most up-to-date technology and that was evident last night.

Mayor Jones also thanked residents and local businesses who provided assistance on the scene.

The response has been overwhelming and it was great to see the town band together so well, Mayor Jones said.

We had a number of fire services assist and we are extremely appreciative of the help they were able to provide.

The Lockyer Valley should be exceptionally proud of the effort of their local brigade.