LEDBURY'S Watch Commander Keith Wildig, who is retiring from the Fire Service after almost three decades of fighting fires and serving the local community, looked back this week on a long, varied and dramatic career.

Mr Wildig, who is based at Ledbury Fire Station, has worn the uniform for 28 years and he has witnessed and fought some of the most memorable blazes in the town and local area.

He said: "Looking back, my first fire call back in 1988 was a washing machine fire at a property on the Homend; those early years were a very busy time, - attending The Sun Valley fire in 1993 in Hereford, and various large fires on the Malvern Hills, including one that involved nearly thirty appliances.

"I also attended a coach crash at Junction 2 on the M50 and also a major road traffic collision on the M50 where five persons were killed, and I was also involved with the fire at the Seven Stars."

Interviewed in 2008, when he had clocked up 20 years at the station, the Severn Stars fire of 2001, in the Homend of Ledbury, was still fresh in his mind.

Mr Wildig discovered a gas leak in the burning medieval half-timbered pub, and he ordered everyone out.

He said: "I was wearing breathing apparatus and attempting to go upstairs. We just wanted to put the fire out."

He recalled that visibility was poor and he added: "I remember thinking, I don't think this is a good idea."

Meanwhile, fellow firefighter Paul Marsh was fighting the soaring flames from the cover of a nearby alley, while being showered with hot tiles and moulten plastic.

Both men were surprised at how quickly the fire had developed.

Mr Wildig also attended the fierce fire at the Talbot Hotel in New Street, in March 2009.

He said this week: "I took Charge at Ledbury over 13 years ago and have taken charge at a number of incidents including incidents in the 2007 floods, and a large number of other road traffic accident and fires."

The Sun Valley fire, in 1993, was one of the most tragic days for the Hereford and Worcester Fire Service because two firefighters John Davies from Leominster and Dave Morris from Hereford died at the poultry processing factory, when they were trapped by a fallen ceiling.

At the height of the blaze, 130 firefighters, including Mr Wildig, were at the scene, with 23 appliances.

Station Commander Daryl Justice has paid tribute to Mr Wildig's long service.

He said: “Keith has left an indelible mark at Ledbury Fire station, and his professional expertise and leadership will be greatly missed by the firefighters and the wider community. "After giving 28 years of service to Ledbury, he’s leaving the fire station in a great position for his successor, Richard Cooper, and we wish him all the best for his future endeavours.”