31st October 2008
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Firework safety campaign targets ‘have-a-go’ dads
A Government safety campaign is urging people who organise their own fireworks parties to be extra careful this year – particularly ‘have-a-go’ dads who are keen to put on a good show for their family and friends.
Ian Prust, Group Manager Community Safety, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said: “A few simple steps such as; keeping bonfires away from hedges, boundary fences and buildings, and following the firework code will help to keep your friends and family safe”.
Minister for Trade, Investment and Consumer Affairs, Gareth Thomas said: “The majority of firework injuries happen at family or private parties. Millions of families love watching fireworks, but no-one wants to be a victim of the accidents that can and do happen. “Even if you think you know how to handle fireworks, failing to follow the Firework Code properly puts you and your loved ones in danger. “Each of us has a responsibility to take the right precautions with fireworks so we can all enjoy them safely this year.”
Throughout the country, Fire and Rescue Services are embarking on activities in the community to highlight the dangers of fireworks when used carelessly. Information, online games and tips for making firework displays safe and enjoyable for children and adults alike can be found at the Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service website www.hwfire.org.uk |
30th October 2008 |
Fifty People Evacuated from Coach Fire
Fifty passengers were evacuated from a bus that caught fire on the westbound carriageway of the A 40 near Ross on Wye on the evening of Thursday October 30. Two crews from Ross and one crew from Whitchurch attended and made the vehicle safe. One person received treatment for smoke inhalation. Police relayed the stranded passengers to a nearby service station to await the arrival of a replacement coach. |
26th October 2008 |
One person killed and two injured in two car collision
Crews from Droitwich and Kidderminster rescued two people and recovered a third person following a two vehicle collision on the A442 at Cutnall Green on Sunday October 26.
Earth tremor may have caused attic fire
A halogen lamp fell over against a plywood panel in the attic of a property at Hatfield,near Bromyard and caused a small fire. The lamp may have fallen as a result of the earth tremor that affected parts of the two Counties on the evening of Sunday October 26. Crews from Bromyard and Leominster attended. |
15th October 2008
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Four People Escape Pub Fire
Four people escaped unhurt from the first floor of the Berkeley Arms at Egdon, near Pershore in the early hours of Wednesday, October 15. Three crews from Worcester attended and extinguished a small fire in a ground floor laundry room.
Fire at Kidderminster Police Station
Crews from Kidderminster and Bewdley used two BA and one hose reel to extinguish a fire in the basement generator room at Kidderminster Police Station in Habberley Road, on Wednesday, October 15. |
13th October 2008
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Man Dies in House Fire
A man aged 37, was found dead in a bedroom of a house by firefighters during a severe fire at a terraced property at The Glade, Pound Bank Road, Sherrads Green, Malvern in the early hours of Monday, October 13. Four other occupants of the house escaped. Two people are in hospital - one in a "critical" condition. A third person was treated for a broken ankle. Five crews from Malvern, Worcester and Upton on Severn attended. A man was due to appear before Worcester Magistrates on Thursday October 16, charged with murder and arson with intent to endanger life. |
11th October 2008
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Arson Suspected at Malvern House Fire
A building extension under construction at a house at Pinners Place, Rectory Lane, Madresfield, Malvern, was badly damaged by a fire that had been deliberately started in the early hours of Saturday, October 11. Crews from Malvern and Worcester attended. The property was unoccupied at the time. |
10th October 2008
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Eight Pump Attendance at Droitwich Factory Fire
Eight appliances together with the aerial ladder platform and the environmental protection unit tackled a fire in a large factory unit at Doncaster Precision Castings, Berry Hill, Droitwich in the early hours of Friday October 10. The fire had started in an office and had caused a gas main to ignite. No one was injured. |
8th October 2008
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WINTER SAFETY ALERT AFTER FOUR HUNDRED CHIMNEY FIRES IN TWO YEARS
Firefighters have issued a warning to people to make sure they get their chimneys swept before lighting fires this autumn following an increase in the number of chimney fires that have damaged homes across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
In the past two years crews attended 400 fires (See attached photographs) and with the continued rise in fuel and heating costs, more people may find alternative methods to keep warm this winter.
Ian Prust, Group Manager for Community Safety, Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, said people should take extra care when lighting fires or using appliances such as portable heaters that have not been used for some time.
“It is crucial to make sure that the chimneys are swept first and that all appliances that perhaps have not been used for some considerable time are given a safety check.”
- Chimneys using smokeless fuel, coal or oil, should be swept at least once a year
- Chimneys using wood should be swept quarterly when in use
- Ensure a fireguard is in front of the fire at all times
- Extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the property unattended
- Do not burn paper or rubbish on fires in the grate
- Check for smoke from cracks in the in the chimney breast
- Install a working smoke alarm in the roof space
- Fit a carbon monoxide detector
“Most chimney fires are preventable. Regular inspection and cleaning of chimney flues will help eliminate the build – up of soot from coal, wood, oil and gas fired systems. Sweeping also clears obstructions such as bird nests, leaves and debris.” |
8th October2008 |
FLOOD SAFETY AND BUSINESS - CONTINUITY SEMINAR
During the past two years, parts of South Worcestershire have been severely affected by flooding. The effects of this have been devastating on businesses and residents causing distress, loss of income and damage to trade and confidence.
With sponsorship from The Co-operative membership, Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service and Wychavon District Council have arranged a free half day seminar for the business community, agencies and professionals covering the following topics:
- Flood and Water Safety – what to do to protect yourself and others
- Health – preventing harm and infection
- Business resilience – being prepared
- Business Continuity – recovery ;returning to normal
Senior co-operative affairs officer for The Co-operative, Roger Davies, said :”Co-operatives play a crucial role in supporting local communities and this is something which is at the heart of our activities. We are pleased to be sponsoring this important seminar, which will offer practical advice to the community on being prepared, and what to do in the event of flooding.”
Experts from the Fire and Rescue Service, Wychavon Council, the Environment Agency, and the West Mercia Local Resilience Forum will give presentations and provide practical advice.
The seminar will be held at the Wychavon District Council Civic Centre, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Pershore on Wednesday October 15. The seminar will commence at 10.0 am and be repeated at 4.0 pm offering a choice of attendance time. Each session will last for approximately two and a half hours. |
7th October 2008 |
Crews assist in search for missing woman
Crews from Whitchurch and Ross on Wye assisted colleagues from Gloucestershire FRS in a search for a woman missing in the Symonds Yat area in the early hours of Tuesday October 7.
Driver killed and three passengers injured in two car collision near Malvern
The driver of a Corsa car and three passengers were released by crews from Malvern following a collision involving a Land Rover that occurred at Sherridge Road, Leigh Sinton on Tuesday October 7. The driver was airlifted to the Worcestershire Royal Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Multi agency river search for missing lorry driver
Thirty Fire Service personnel from Kidderminster, Stourport, Worcester, Droitwich and Evesham with specialist rescue equipment, were involved in a three hour operation to search for the driver after a lorry after it had been found submerged in the River Severn at Upper Arley on Tuesday October 7.The air ambulance was on standby at the scene during the search operation. Police later found the driver safe and unharmed in the vicinity of the incident. He was detained for "questioning"
Elderly man rescued by Tenbury crew from kitchen fire
An 87- year- old man was rescued from a fire at his home at Leysters,near Leominster by two firefighters from Tenbury Wells on Tuesday evening October 7. Neighbours alerted the Fire Service after they heard the smoke alarms that were activated as a result of the fire in the kitchen. The three alarms had been fitted in the property by Leominster crews following a home fire safety check carried out earlier this year. The Tenbury Firefighters carried out a rapid response search and found the elderly man collapsed in the kitchen. He was taken to hospital suffering from shock and smoke inhalation. Empty house severely damaged by fire A semi detached house at Ripon Road, Worcester, that had recently been vacated and secured, was severely damaged by fire during the early hours of Wednesday October 8. Crews from Worcester, Droitwich and the hydraulic platform from Bromsgrove attended. No one was injured and arson is suspected. |
3rd October 2008 |
Family flee from house fire.
A family escaped unharmed after fire had spread into the roof space of their terraced cottage home in Yessell Lane, Charlton, near Evesham on the morning of Friday October 3. Six appliances from Evesham, Pershore, Broadway,Pebworth, Droitwich and Worcester attended. The fire is thought to have started as a result of a spark from the internal chimney flue of the woodburner stove setting fire to insulation material in the roof space.
Man killed in two car collision on A422 at Shatterford
Two crews from Kidderminster released a man trapped in a car following a two vehicle collision at Shatterford, near Kidderminster on Friday October 3. He was airlifted to Selly Oak Hospital. A male passenger in the car was certified dead at the scene.
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1st October2008 |
Nine Appliance Attendance at Leominster Garage Fire
A 200 metre cordon was established by crews in attendance at Green Lanes, Leominster, following a fire at a local garage. Gas cylinders were in the premises and the cordon was in place for 24 hours during the period Tuesday/Wednesday, September 30/October 1, to enable the cylinders to be cooled and made safe. Neighbouring premises and homes were evacuated. The fire is thought to have started as a result of a spark from a welder that was being used in the garage. No persons were injured. |
5th September 2008
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Residents Invited to Have Their Say on Fire Service Plan
The 12-week consultation on Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service’s Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) closed on Friday, September 5.
The IRMP sets out how the Service intends to improve community safety and remain efficient. It also proposes a broad range of priorities which will be delivered over a three year period.
The consultation responses will be collated and the findings will be presented to the Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Authority Members at their next meeting on Monday, September 22. They will then determine the next course of action, taking into consideration the responses sent in as part of the consultation.
To view the proposals within the IRMP please click here. |
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2008 News Archive |
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