26 Dec 2023
The evacuation of St Albans Cathedral after candles set off a smoke alarm made national press in the run-up to Christmas.
The drama occurred on Thursday evening during a traditional candlelit carols service, and saw more than 1,400 people evacuated from the building.
Eye-witness Peter Cook revealed: “As every year each member of the congregation has their own candle.
“The candles are lit in the first hymn. This year it was Silent Night. During the second verse there was a beeping noise, similar to a vehicle reversing.
“The choir continued singing and in the third verse it was clear it was an alarm and evacuation was needed.
“Luckily we were close to a fire exit and went outside where it was commented that it is not a normal workplace where you would have fire evacuation tests, or an airline where before each flight the emergency exits and procedures are shown.”
High Sheriff in Nomination Annie Brewster added: “All the candles set off the new smoke detectors – we all had to evacuate during Silent Night and wait for the fire engine to arrive. Thereafter… no candles!”
St Albans Dean the Very Rev Jo Kelly-Moore, who was leading the service, encouraged the congregation to use their mobile phone torches when they returned inside after about 25 minutes.
