Browse Sections

• Education
• Special reports

Fireman's mill fire anguish

Eve Dugdale
12/ 9/2007

A DEDICATED firefighter took his own life after holding himself responsible for the extent of damage caused by the Wren Nest Mill fire, an inquest heard

The family of Ray Dring, 43, believe he took his own life because he was overworked by his employers.

An inquest into the death of the dad of one heard that he had been repeatedly called out to manage incidents over two days in April and held himself responsible for the extent of damage caused by the Good Friday blaze in Glossop.

Mr Dring, of Darley Dale, a former councillor and parliamentary candidate, had used "heavy duty machinery" to end his life.

Giving evidence at the inquest, PC Dave Naylor, who had liaised with Mr Dring's family, said: "Mr Dring had been at work all day when he was called out to an emergency which lasted several hours, only to be called out immediately to the fire at Glossop, where he worked through the night.

"A short time later he was called out again after the fire re-ignited. At 1pm he returned home for a debrief with a fire officer.

"His wife remembers him looking exhausted and pale.

"It was demanding too much."

Mr Dring was also asked to file a report on the incident for the Tuesday morning, meaning the family had to cancel a planned weekend away.

PC Naylor added: "Had he not been called out to the fire for the second time, Mrs Wainwright-Dring believes her husband would still be here."

Mr Dring's body was discovered by a firefighter arriving for duty at Matlock fire station on 9 April.

Sergeant Lindsay Illingworth said: "There was heavy duty equipment in the room which had obviously been used to end his life."

Speaking outside the hearing, Derbyshire Fire Service's group manager for operations, John Green, reiterated his condolences to the family.

He said: "The hours Ray was working are the accepted practice system, which is regularly reviewed.

"We have a stress counselling service and regularly review all officers.

"We have investigated and the fire service was not found to be wanting for anything.

"Everybody is very saddened. Ray will always be remembered."

PC Naylor read a statement from Mr Dring's family: "Ray was a well respected and caring man who was truly dedicated to his family, work and the community in which he lived.

"His untimely passing has been a tragic loss to everyone who knew him."

Verdict: Death due to self-administered neck injuries and airway obstruction.