FIRE chief Chris Trimby is hoping Warminster is better prepared to cope with a major fire, a year after flames swept through the town centre.

The early morning blaze, which caused £1m worth of damage, started in newsagents Balfour News, in Market Place, on December 21 last year. It brought the town centre to a standstill for five hours as firefighters fought the inferno.

The flames engulfed the roof and top floors of the newsagents and fashion chain Dorothy Perkins. Adjoining 18th century buildings Cristettes hardware shop and The Anchor pub were also damaged.

Station officer Trimby was among the Warminster firefighters who battled the blaze.

He said: "I hope valuable lessons have been learnt. The repaired buildings now have all the appropriate safety precautions and have been fitted with alarms.

"The fire has heightened people's awareness. We are debriefed after every big job, and lots of issues came up."

A public meeting was organised in February this year following complaints about how firefighters tackled the blaze.

Mr Trimby said: "The whole town was made aware of what we do and the way in which we do it. They now realise that we don't jump right in, but carry out a risk assessment. Unless people's lives are at risk, we deal with the fire at a safe distance.

"We don't like to be criticised, as we did what we could. You've got to put it in perspective. I understand that businesses have been badly affected, but it was only brickwork and timbers that were damaged, not people's lives."

The fire hit at the worst time of the year, as surrounding traders were eagerly awaiting a last minute Christmas shopping frenzy, but many struggled to stay open after a clean up.

Balfour News found temporary premises the following day, but scaffolding still covers its former shop and little work has been done because of planning problems associated with the listed building.

However, a new-look Dorothy Perkins reopened next door last month.

Residents, councillors and businessmen all have vivid memories of the day.

Councillor Ultan Ryan was the town's mayor at the time and was recuperating at home after an operation.

He said: "It was totally shocking. I rushed down to see what was happening, but the road was blocked off. The fire brigade was doing a wonderful job, as the fire was so big, so quick and so terrifying. The town centre has picked up, but I'll be glad to see Balfour News's old shop reopen next year."