News Headlines... January 2010

To go straight to any of January's news click on the links below.

Government Funding | Diesel Spillage | Redditch RTC | Chimney Fire | Fatal RTC | 2 People injured in Hereford RTC | Kidderminster RTC | Factory Unit Fire | Premier Inn Bedroom Fire | Car on its Roof Following RTC | Horse Rescued From Frozen Pond | Three Casualties Involved in RTC | Roof Removed to Release Casualty | M5 Car Fire | Vehicles Winched to Safety | Chief Fire Officer Warns of Ice Dangers | Winter Weather Fire Safety Advice | Bromsgrove RTC | Carbon Monoxide Alert | Car on its Roof | Woodburning Stove Fire | Bedroom Fire | Hereford Cylinder Fire

The extra funding, amounting to £1,043,001, helps HWFRS to provide:

• Two Urban Search and Rescue teams based at a new, state of the art facility in Droitwich
• A search dog and handler
• Two mass decontamination units based at fire stations in Hereford and Droitwich
• Enhanced command facilities incorporating advanced satellite communications within Herefordshire
• High volume pumping vehicles based at Kidderminster (as proved so useful during the floods of 2007).

This is one of the largest fleets of its kind outside London.  The tragic events in Haiti sadly serve as a reminder of the importance of this kind of capability for dealing with major incidents.  Earlier this month, HWFRS technicians assisted in the rescue operation following the gas explosion in Shrewsbury, Shropshire.”

Issued by Samantha Jones, Media and Communications Manager on 01905 368409.
Please call this number if you wish to arrange an interview with ACFO Jon Hall.

Diesel Spillage on Newtown Road
Firefighters attended an incident in Worcester during the early morning, Wednesday January 27, following a report of a lorry leaking diesel on Newtown Road. The lorry was carrying 300 litres of diesel and Worcester’s fire crew were called upon to deal with the problem, and the road was swiftly closed. Additional help was required from the Environmental Protection Unit from Stourport as a clean up operation got underway. The incident was then left in the hands of Police following the arrival of the agency shortly before 3am.

Fire Crews Called To Traffic Collision at Redditch
A collision between a coach and a saloon vehicle took place at Evesham Road, Astwood, in Redditch on January 26 at 8am. The police and ambulances were also called to the scene, with both land and air ambulances on standby. The stop message was given at 9.01am. The man, rescued by firefighters, was taken to a hospital by ambulance.

Chimney Fire at Beach Road
Firefighters were called to a chimney fire at Beach Road in Stourport on Monday, January 25 at 7.22pm. The stop message was given at 8.29pm after smoke alarms were fitted to the property.

Fatal Road Traffic Collision
Fire crews from Redditch attended an incident after a vehicle was in collision with a tree on Sunday, January 24 at 10pm. Two people were involved in the collision at Coventry Highway but one of them sadly died at the scene. The other person was released by fire service personnel and received hospital treatment.

Two People Injured in Road Accident at Aylestone Hill
Hereford firefighters were called to a road traffic collision involving two vehicles on Saturday, January 23 at 11.30pm. Both owners of the vehicles were injured in the incident and firefighters removed the roof of the car to help release them. The casualties received hospital treatment.

Two Vehicles Involved in Collision
Two fire crews from Kidderminster attended a road traffic collision involving two vehicles on Chester Road South, at just before 9am on Friday, January 22. The incident was also attended by the Highways Agency. One person was trapped but was later released by emergency services and was taken to hospital. The incident was then left with the police.

Factory Unit Fire

On Sunday, January 10, at 9:51am Fire Control took a call to report a fire at Mettis Aerospace, Windsor Road, Redditch.
Smoke had quickly filled the factory unit, however, Firefighters and supporting Officers  were promptly on scene to deal with the incident. 
The fire was brought under control within two hours. Redditch and Bromsgrove Firefighters plus other specialist chemical and support units from Droitwich, Malvern and Stourport were also at the scene.
Commenting afterwards, Group Manager Mick Cadman said, “Our crews did an excellent job in assessing the situation and promptly bringing the incident under control. The emergency plans that Mettis Areospace had previously put in place assisted our crews and ensured disruption to business in the following days was minimised.”

Premier Inn Bedroom Fire

Three fire appliance from Hereford Fire Station were called to an automatic fire alarm at Premier Inn, Holmer Road, Hereford, on Sunday, January 10.
The incident, which happened at 12.41am, was in a first floor bedroom. Four Firefighters wore breathing apparatus and used two hose reels to deal with the incident. Once the fire was out they ventilated the property. Everyone in the building was accounted for and the stop message was given at 2.04am.

Car on its Roof Following RTC

Firefighters were called to the A4113 at Leintwardine following a road traffic collision on Sunday, January 10.
On arrival the Leintwardine crew found a car was on its roof. Nobody was trapped inside the vehicle but an ambulance was called for an injured casualty – although there were seven casualties in total. The stop message was given at 12.47am.

Horse Rescued From Frozen Pond

A horse was rescued from a frozen pond in Quarry Lane, Pebworth, on Monday, January 11.
The incident happened at 8.17am and Evesham Firefighters used floating lines (and some horse feed) to release the animal from the frozen water. The stop message was given at 9am.

Three Casualties Involved in RTC

Firefighters were called to an incident at 6.26pm on Monday, January 11, in Carpet Traders Way, Kidderminster, after a road traffic collision involving two vehicles.
Nobody was trapped inside the vehicles but crews made the scene safe. The stop message was given at 7.13pm and then three casualties were taken to hospital.

Roof Removed to Release Casualty

Firefighters removed the roof of a car to release a female casualty after her vehicle was in collision with a tree on Monday, January 11.
The incident happened at 9.25pm on the A38 at Lydiate Ash, Bromsgrove, and Firefighters from Bromsgrove and West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service attended. The stop message was given at 10.21pm and the casualty was taken to hospital by land ambulance.

M5 Car Fire

Upton Firefighters attended a car fire on the southbound M5 between J8 and J9 on Monday, January 11. The call came in at 1.35am and on arrival Firefighters found the car alight. Firefighters from Tewkesbury also attended the incident.
Crews put the stop message through at just before 6am. Sadly, one person died. A fire investigation is now under way.

Emergency Vehicles Winched to Safety

Malvern Firefighters and USAR technicians helped to stabilize two vehicles after they became stuck in a precarious position.
The incident happened on St Ann’s Road, Malvern, on Wednesday, January 13, at just before 2.30pm. Crews used lines and a winch to stabilize the vehicles. The stop message was given at 7.10pm

Following a number of recent incidents Chief Fire Officer Paul Hayden, CFOA Lead for Flooding and the Environment is urging people to stay off frozen lakes, ponds and waterways.

CFO Paul Hayden Said:

“Every year in my area (Herefordshire and Worcestershire), we are called to between 50-60 water rescues each year, many resulting from people falling through ice in winter. Recent media reports have highlighted the drama of rescues from frozen waterways. Frozen and icy water may look very picturesque but, it can present a number of dangers, especially to children. Once the thaw sets in these risks will increase and even ice that had previously been very thick can give way very suddenly and unexpectedly.” 

“One of the most recent rescues took place in Herefordshire on 6th January 2010, where firefighters were called by Police Community Support Officers to reports of a boy who’d fallen through ice into icy water and somehow managed to climb onto an island in the middle of the pool. Specialist rescue crews were brought in to construct a bridge that was used to rescue the boy who was then passed to emergency medical crews. Icy water carries significant risks and in this case we were able to rescue a live casualty.”

Please remember:

• Do not go onto ice-covered lakes, ponds or rivers – it’s not safe. (In the event of entering icy water hypothermia can set in very quickly reducing the ability to get out safely).
• The ice closest to the bank may appear to be thick but it may become thinner in other areas.
• If a dog or another animal falls through the ice, do not go to its rescue, if the ice did not support the animal it will not take your weight.
• Do not become a victim; always call the Emergency Services on 999.
• If you do see a person or animal in difficulties call 999 and direct the Emergency Services to the scene on their arrival.

In closing Chief Fire Officer Paul Hayden said:

“Firefighters are raising awareness about water safety issues in schools but people must take responsibility and understand that venturing onto frozen ponds, lakes and canals is extremely dangerous; falling through the ice can easily have fatal results. Children are particularly at risk, and parents and guardians are asked to remind them of the dangers. Pets are also likely to become stranded if not kept under close control; this often leads to people risking their own lives to reach them.”

For advice on driving in winter conditions from West Mercia Safer Roads Partnership, click here

Winter Weather Fire Safety Advice

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, is urging householders to ensure they keep warm - but safe from fire during the cold weather. Paul Amos, Area Manager Community Risk at Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The cold and dark of winter months need not increase your risks from fire provided you take a few simple precautions. It is most important that residents have working smoke alarms in their home - as this will provide early warning in the event of a fire. Smoke alarms should be checked weekly and if the batteries need changing do so immediately!”

Please remember:

• Don’t overload electrical sockets.  Too many electrical appliances plugged into one mains point via an adaptor can overload it!

• Electrical appliances, plugs and cables that are old or poorly wired can also be a real danger.

• Many domestic fires start in the kitchen - NEVER leave cooking unattended.

• Make sure candles are secured in a stable holder and kept away from curtains, fabric or other flammable materials. They should also be kept out of draughts and away from children and animals.

• Always put candles out when you are leaving the room or going to bed.

• Be careful when using open fires to keep warm - make sure you always use a fire guard, and never use a fire guard to dry wet clothing (or similar).

• Keep chimneys and flues clean and well maintained.

• Never smoke in bed or if you are tired, and always ensure smoking materials are fully extinguished in a non-combustible container. 

In closing Area Manager Amos said: “If you do discover fire, don’t take any risks; Get out, Stay out and Dial 999 for the Fire Service.”

Bromsgrove Road Traffic Collision. Bromsgrove Firefighters were called to a road traffic collision in Stourbridge Road, Bromsgrove, on Tuesday, January 5 at 10.16am. When Firefighters arrived at the scene they discovered the vehicle was on its roof. One casualty was taken to hospital by ambulance and firefighters helped the police to remove the vehicle from the road. The stop message was given at 10.49am.

Carbon Monoxide Detector Alerts Family. A family was alerted to a carbon monoxide leak in their home at just after 6.20am on Tuesday, January 5. As soon as the family was alerted they evacuated the property and sought refuge in their car. Two Firefighters entered the property wearing breathing apparatus and used a gas monitor. The property was ventilated and the family received medical attention from ambulance crews. The stop message was given at 7.37am.

Car on its Roof Following Whitchurch RTC. Firefighters were called to a road traffic collision on the A466 at Welsh Newton, Llancloudy, Whitchurch. The incident happened at 4.45pm on Monday, January 4. On arrival the Firefighters from Ross found one car on its roof. One person was trapped and released by the crews and then taken to hospital by ambulance. The stop message was given at 5.25pm.

Woodburning Stove Fire. Two pumps from Worcester were called to a chimney fire at Broad Green, Broadway on Sunday, January 3 at 11.21pm. Chimney gear was used to deal with the wood burning stove fire and the stop message was given at 1.10am.

Kidderminster Bedroom Fire. On Saturday, January 2, two crews from Kidderminster and one from Bewdley were called to a house fire persons reported. The fire, at the property in Baxter Avenue, Kidderminster, was in a first floor bedroom which was well alight.  Four Firefighters wore breathing apparatus and used two hose reels to deal with the incident. All persons were accounted for. The stop message was given at just after 10pm.

Cylinder Fire behind Hereford Pub. Two pumps from Hereford and one pump from Peterchurch attended a fire at St Owen Street, Hereford, on Saturday, January 2 at 3.48am.The incident, which was at the back of The Victory pub, involved a quantity of cylinders. The fire spread into the building and four Firefighters in breathing apparatus used three hosereels and one jet to deal with the incident. The stop message was given at 5.24am.

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