T HE praise heaped upon the firefighters who tackled the blaze at Lys Mill Industrial Estate on Sunday is well deserved.

There were more than 60 firefighters – including 40 volunteers – at a blaze which caused up to 20 explosions.

Yesterday, they were saluted as heroes by estate businesses saved as a result of their efforts, carried out despite the fierce danger of exploding gas cylinders.

Let’s be plain about this – dozens of firefighters put their lives at risk.

We sometimes become a little blasé about the dangerous situations they find themselves in, partly because they are so professional and able that they rarely make mistakes.

However, there is also the factor that all too often firefighters are reluctant public heroes. We had to really twist the arm of the incident commander Mat Carlile to admit just how life-threatening this emergency was.

So, while you, our brave firefighters may be modest heroes, we say to you on behalf of our community, that we are deeply grateful for what you do and for putting your lives on the line to keep us safe from harm.