SIX part-time Bromyard firefighters are being hailed as heroes today (Thursday) for putting their lives on the line and saving the town from a major chemical scare.

Two of the team - Andrew Cozens and Mike Beale - work where the blaze started at Securidor Ltd in Station Approach, which faced the risk of an explosion that would have hurled highly dangerous toxins into the air.

Keeping a blast at bay until back-up arrived may earn them commendations. The duo raised the alarm, got 95 workmates out, then rushed to the fire station to join their crew.

Firefighter Cozens and Firefighter Brian Kendall went inside the burning unit to cool the combustible chemicals and stop the fire spreading. Smoke was so bad they could barely see in front of them. Flames were ripping through the roof.

Station Officer Phil Major, a chemical specialist, said a fierce explosion was inevitable had the flames reached the chemical drums.