News Headlines... February 2010
To go straight to any of February's news click on the links below.
House Fire | Driver & Sheep Rescue | Garage Fire | Young Firefighters Parade | Coach Fire | Big Bertha Rescue | Hotel Fire Malvern | New Chief Announced | Council Tax Rise | Shrove Tuesday | Valentines Day | Exercise ‘TOXIC-SPA’ | Caravan Fire | Fire at Hotel
Leominster House Fire
At 19:28hrs on Thursday February 25, 2010, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service was called to reports of a house fire involving a mid-terraced property in Hampton Gardens, Leominster, Herefordshire.
Two crews from the local retained station in Leominster were promptly in attendance and at the height of the fire a total of five crews tackled the blaze. firefighters used 3 hose-reels, 1 covering jet and 8 breathing apparatus to bring the fire under control and search the property.
The residents’ dog was found alive, however one cat was found dead and another missing. The Fire Service Red Cross support vehicle was brought in and used to support residents affected by the incident.
During the incident a number of neighboring properties were evacuated.
Kevin Williams, Station Manager, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said:
“The prompt arrival of both local retained fire crews, and the work they did in the initial phase of this incident clearly helped to prevent the fire from establishing itself in neighbouring properties and causing greater loss.”
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Driver and Sheep Rescued from Overturned Stock Lorry
At 13:20Hrs on February 25, 2010, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service was called to reports of a road traffic incident involving an overturned HGV on the B4355 Presteigne to Norton Road, on the Herefordshire / Mid and West Wales border.
A total of three crews from Leintwardine, Kington and Presteigne were promptly on scene.
Mark Strutt, Station Manager, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said,
“On arrival at the scene firefighters found a stock carrying HGV, that had left the road and was laying on its side with a trapped driver and approximately 75 livestock. Fire service personnel had to release the male driver by removing the steering wheel. Approximately 50 sheep were released into a nearby field and the remaining 25 were found to be dead at the scene.”
“Due to the remote nature of this incident, older emergency radios proved unreliable and emergency radio communications were fed through Hereford and Worcester appliances fitted with the new airwave radios. Both Mid and West Wales and Herefordshire crews worked well as a team.”
The driver was passed on to ambulance personnel for further medical attention and taken to hospital and the sheep were left in the care of a local vet. All three emergency services were in attendance.
Garage Fire Spreads To Heating Oil Tank
At 12:00Hrs on February 24, 2010, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service was called to reports of a fire affecting outbuildings and a heating oil tank in Little Brockington, Bodenham, Herefordshire
A total of three crews from Hereford (1) and Leominster (2) were promptly on scene and supported shortly afterwards by the on-call crew from Ross-on-Wye with the water carrier.
Jon Butlin, Station Manager, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said,
“On arrival at the scene firefighters found a single story double garage well alight - with the fire affecting a nearby oil tank containing heating oil. Crews used; 2x hose reels and 2x 45mm jets to bring the fire under control and prevent damage to the owner’s main property on the site which at the time contained the owners dogs. Only slight heat damage affected the main property.”
Following a fire investigation the cause of the fire was found to be an electrical fault within the garage.
Young Firefighters show their skills at pass out parade
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Redditch Young Firefighters Association (YFA) will be holding its first Pass out Parade at Redditch Fire Station next weekend (Saturday, March 6).
The YFA is a uniformed youth organisation which is run on a volunteer basis on behalf of Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service. There is one other branch based at Droitwich Fire Station.
The Redditch branch of the YFA opened in November last year. The Young Firefighters (YFFs) have undertaken a 13 week training course and the Pass out parade is being held to recognise the achievements of the YFFs.
In front of their family, Fire Service personnel, and dignitaries including Jacqui Smith, MP, the YFFs will demonstrate some of the skills they have learnt during their training including a hose running drill and a ladder demonstration. They will also be presented with a certificate of achievement by Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Jon Hall.
Pete Hope, the Redditch YFA Branch Co-ordinator said: “it is important that we recognise the achievement of the Young Firefighters, who have worked so hard to complete their training. The Pass out parade is an opportunity to place on record our thanks to them and to their families for supporting them through this process.”
Students Lucky Escape From Motorway Coach Fire
At 12:41Hrs today (February 24, 2010), Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service was called to reports of a coach fire on the northbound carriageway of the M5 motorway between junctions 4A and 4, Worcestershire.
The passengers, students from Worcester University on a trip to a sporting event, had exited the burning vehicle under the supervision of a passing police patrol. Worcestershire fire fighters from Bromsgrove, Redditch and Droitwich were promptly on scene along with colleagues from Northfield in the West Midlands. On arrival fire fighters tackled the blaze in the 24 seater coach which had spread from the engine compartment into the passenger compartment. Lanes one a two were both closed whilst the incident was dealt with.
Adrian Moore, Station Manager, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said,
“On arrival at the scene firefighters used breathing apparatus and hose reel, to bring the fire that had spread from the engine compartment under control. The driver and passengers were fortunate that a nearby police patrol was promptly on scene to assist with safe evacuation and traffic management. It is important with motorway and major trunk road fires that once out of the vehicle, people move well away from the incident and to a safe position behind protective Armco barriers.”
The cause of the fire is unknown and will be subject to investigation.
Big Bertha Rescued From the Mud
Big Bertha, an Austrian Draft Horse of 17 hands was rescued today by Firefighters from Upton Fire Station after she became stuck in mud.
The crew received the call to the incident at just after 9am this morning. Upon arrival at Drinkers End, Corse Lawn, Big Bertha was found to be on her left side, stuck in the mud with her head through a fence. With the aid of a local farmer’s tractor, strops* and air bags, the crew managed to free her and get her safely to her feet.
Ken Sinclair, Big Bertha's owner, said the mare was in-foal and was about two months away from giving birth. He praised the professional and efficient way that the Firefighters dealt with the emergency.
Mr Sinclair’s' vet was satisfied with her condition and said that apart from a bruised left eye she seemed to be in good order.
* strops are made out of webbing and can be wrapped around an animal at one end and a winch at the other – this assists the firefighters when trying to pull something of significant weight.
Tudor Hotel Fire Malvern
At 09:36Hrs yesterday (February 18, 2010), Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service was called to reports of a fire at The Tudor Hotel, Malvern, Worcestershire.
The local (Malvern) day-crew and on-call crews were promptly on scene and supported shortly afterwards by appliances from the surrounding area including; Worcester, Ledbury, Droitwich, Pershore and Bromyard. At the height of the fire 12 fire appliances were on scene in addition to an aerial ladder platform, incident support unit and command unit.
Jon Pryce, Area Manager, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said,
“On arrival at the scene firefighters used breathing apparatus and hose reels, to bring the upper floor fire that had spread to the roof under control. The aerial appliance allowed us to feed video footage back to the command unit and deal with any areas of concern. This was not a particularly severe fire however, it was complex and difficult for the Fire and Rescue Service to deal with due to the structure of the building – in total nearly 40 BA cylinders were used. The Tudor Hotel is a large historic building, with difficult access and was under partial refurbishment, which further complicated the incident, where some areas on fire were missing sections of flooring. Prior to the fire the building was half derelict and no persons were believed to have been inside the building.”
“Finally, I would like to thank all of our crews, police, ambulance (and HART team) involved in this incident for the professional manner in which they carried out their tasks under difficult conditions, caused by poor weather and road conditions in Malvern and the surrounding areas. The fire was successfully extinguished later in the same day and due to the crews hard work and firefighting skill, the fire damage to the upper floors and roof was substantially mitigated.”
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
New Chief Fire Officer Announced
A new Chief Fire Officer has been appointed to Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service.
Mark Yates, currently Deputy Chief Fire Officer, at Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, has been chosen as the new Chief Fire Officer after a two day interview process last week.
Mr Yates started his career in 1984 with Cornwall County Fire Brigade before moving to Hertfordshire in 2005. He succeeds Chief Fire Officer Paul Hayden, who is due to retire.
“I am delighted to announce Mark as our new Chief Fire Officer as I know he has all the right qualities to lead our Service in the future,” said Brigadier Peter Jones, CBE, Chairman of Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Authority.
“Our interview and selection process was extensive and demanding and while the panel was impressed with the quality of everyone on the shortlist, we know we have the right person for the job.”
Mr Yates, who is originally from Tewkesbury, worked his way through the ranks with Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service before taking the role of Deputy Chief Fire Officer in Hertfordshire. His position there saw him lead operations as incident commander during the Buncefield Oil Depot Fire – thought to be the largest fire of its kind in peacetime history.
Mr Yates said: “It is a real honour to be the new Chief Fire Officer for Hereford & Worcester. I have already met some of the staff and I’ve been hugely impressed with the level of commitment and dedication shown by everyone. I am also looking forward to working for a stand alone Fire Authority and helping to shape the Service for the future.
“I can’t think of any other place I would rather work as for me the two counties have everything. On a personal note, my wife and I are very much looking forward to the move as we both have family in the area.”
Mr Yates will take up his position on April 1, 2010.
Four pence a week council tax rise for Fire and Rescue Service
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Council taxpayers on Band D in Herefordshire and Worcestershire will pay an extra four pence a week this year for the Fire and Rescue Service that safeguards life and property across the two counties. Members of the Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Authority today (Feb 17) approved the 2010/2011 budget for the Fire and Rescue Service in the two Counties at £31,395m – leading to a council tax increase of 2.9% on 2009/10. This means that in the 12 months from April, Band D taxpayers will pay £73.64 a year (or £1.42 a week) compared with the current £71.57 – an increase of £2.07 a year - as their share of the total cost of the Service.
Safety on Shrove Tuesday
Traditionally Shrove Tuesday marks the beginning of Lent, where hundreds of people throughout the country make pancakes. However, when you are distracted by the image of a delicious warm pancake sprinkled with lemon juice and/or sugar, fire safety may not be at the forefront of your mind! Fat and chip pan fires cause the most number of injuries per fire in peoples’ homes.
Launa Walker, Community Safety Manager for the Service said “People often make the same mistakes at this time of the year which means more injuries and call outs for the Service. Basic precautions, care and attention will make sure that you enjoy your Pancakes on Shrove Tuesday without any problem or incident”. When using a frying pan or cooking with hot oil, remember:
- Never leave the pan unattended when the heat is switched on
- Do NOT move the pan if it is on fire!
- Never put food in the pan if the oil begins to give off smoke
If the pan does catch fire:
- Don’t take any risks. Turn off the heat if it is safe to do so. Never throw water over it.
- Don’t tackle the fire yourself.
- GET OUT, STAY OUT, CALL 999.
A working smoke alarm will greatly increase your chances of escaping unharmed. Have a plan and follow it - know exactly which way you will leave the house and know where you will go.
Stay alive, stay safe, and make sure your smoke alarm works properly;
- Test the battery every week.
- Change the battery every year (unless it's a 10 year alarm).
- Clean it out properly at least twice every year.
Dine carefully this coming Valentines Day.
is a day of love and romance, and whilst Candles may add a nice warm atmosphere to any room their careless use could mean that couples find themselves in serious danger. However, with just a few simple precautions this should not be the case.
Launa Walker, Community Safety Manager for the Service said “Candles are a naked flame so you should always be careful when using them to put them in a sensible place and blow them out if they are no longer being used. Many young people, particularly students, live alone and may not have smoke alarms fitted. If a fire starts, a smoke alarm will give you the necessary early warning that could be the difference between life and death”.
To avoid a fire;
1). Always use a stable fireproof candle holder.
2). Keep candles away from combustible materials such as curtains, valentine cards & napkins.
3). Never leave children or animals alone in a room with lit candles.
4). Make sure candles are fully extinguished before going to bed.
5). Test your smoke alarm, working smoke alarms save lives!
If you discover a fire Get Out, Stay Out, Call the Fire Service.
Fire At Bringewood Hotel, Burrington
At approximately 23:00Hrs on Monday 8th February 2010, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service were called to reports of a Hotel fire in Burrington, Herefordshire.
At the height of the fire 10 crews attended the incident, using hose reels to bring the fire under control. The first crews to arrive found the building to be well alight.
Station Manager, Chris George-Burnell said; “Arriving at the incident firefighters found a well developed fire. No persons were reported, and crews from Hereford & Worcester worked alongside colleagues from Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service to bring the fire under control. At this stage the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.”
West Mercia Police are keen to speak to anyone with information that may assist investigations relating to this incident. Anyone with information on the fire should contact Sergeant Nick Green at Leominster Police Station on 0300 333 3000 or, call the free and confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.
Exercise ‘TOXIC-SPA’ Hits Droitwich
On Wednesday 3rd February 2010, a major exercise codenamed ‘TOXIC SPA’ simulating an explosive toxic release will take place at the Fire Service Training & Development and Urban Search & Rescue facilities in Droitwich.
The realistic exercise will furnish NHS staff studying a Masters Degree at Warwick University with some of the key practical skills required for major incident and crisis management. The casualties, 25 students from Solihull College studying public service courses will be ‘made-up’ to look like real victims by a team of 20 local students from Worcester College as part of their course covering stage and film make-up.
Fire Service Training Instructor, Simon Cusack said;
“If we are going to do this type of exercise –it’s important that we make it as realistic as possible and learn from as many angles as is feasible to save public money and maximise the benefits for the organisations and individuals taking part.”
“Exercise ‘TOXIC-SPA’ will also make use of the Fire and Rescue Service’s on-site Urban Search And Rescue (USAR) team with its facilities (opened by the Rt. Hon. Jacqui Smith MP in 2009), to simulate building collapses such as those recently seen in Haiti where their colleagues from around the world, dramatically assisted in the rescue of several people.”
“The exercise will be fairly easy on the students to start off with –but we will be testing their ability to cope under pressure and manage the situation as would happen in the event of an unfolding potential catastrophe. A number of fire fighters, senior officers and specialist equipment used at major incidents of this type will also be utilised.”
Woman Rescued from Caravan Fire
At 17:14 on Sunday 31st January 2010, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service was called to reports of a caravan fire in the Wythall area of North Worcestershire. Crews from Redditch and Bromsgrove along with a West Midlands Fire Service crew from Kings Norton attended the incident.
An arrival at the scene firefighters using breathing apparatus and hose reel, rescued one person who was handed over to paramedics and ambulance personnel. The casualty was treated at the scene for injuries before being transferred to hospital by land ambulance for further treatment.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.