News Headlines... August 2011
To go straight to any of August's news click on the links below.
Moreton-on-Lugg Fire | Redditch Open Day | North Worcestershire Call Outs | Serious RTC | Competition Winner | Serious Barn Fire - Update | Serious Barn Fire | Malvern Quarry Rescue | Malvern Flat Fire | Mobile Home Fire | Shed Fire | Iron Causes Fire | Worcester Pub Fire | Emergency Test Respone | Pershore Open Day | Motorway Caravan RTC | Testing Emergency Plans | Teenager Stuck in Swing | Fire Safety Checks for Tenants | Embankment Fires | Bromsgrove RTC | Belbroughton Horse Rescue | Chemical Incident on Motorway | Pebworth Fire | Pershore Factory Fire | Bromsgrove Fire Station Open Day | Lorry Crash on M5 | Crop Fire in Sellack | Skip Fire Malvern | Hereford Building Fire | Chip Pan Fire | Combine Harvester Fire | Redditch House Fire | Eight Sheds Destroyed | Wychbury Hills Fires | Shed Fire | Garden Fire Warning | Kitchen Fire |
Moreton-on-Lugg Fire
Friday 26 August
A fire which broke out this afternoon (August 26) at a hay store and stable block in Herefordshire has completely destroyed the building.
The incident happened at just after 2.15pm at a farm in Moreton-on-Lugg and the Fire Service's control room took five 999 calls in relation to the fire.
On arrival, two crews from Herefordshire and the Water Carrier from Leominster Fire Station found that the fire had taken hold of the building.
Station Commander Neil Pigott, who was officer in charge of the incident, said: "The fire involved a hay store and stable with a floor area of approx 100msq. The building has been completely destroyed as has the hay and fodder within.
"It is almost certain that this fire was started deliberately and the culprit is a danger to themselves and others. I would urge anyone with information that could assist in identifying those responsible to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 55 111."
The number of fire crews at the scene has been scaled down but the stop message has not yet been given.
Open Day at Redditch Fire Station
Friday 26 August
Firefighters at Redditch Fire Station will be holding their annual open day on Saturday 3rd September 2011 and, this year's event will be bigger and better with even more attractions than before.
The FREE event will be held from 11am to 3pm at the fire station on Birmingham Road, B97 6EL. Visitors will be able to view a range of equipment and vehicles used by the emergency services, and members of Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (H&WFRS) will be on hand to offer fire, road and water safety advice.
Operational firefighters from Redditch will carry out rescue scenarios, and visitors will also have the chance to look around the fire engines, experience the smoke house, enjoy refreshments and other activities such as;
- I-Camp, who will put on a display of Asian culture and cuisine.
- The Mercian Regiment, who plan to join firefighters in the FireFit fitness challenge.
- Halfords, who will be promoting safe cycling with the opening of new cycle routes.
- Local NHS, who will demonstrate healthy lifestyle & living tips.
Station Commander Phil Griffiths said: "Alongside our open day, Redditch Fire Station will host the local launch of the National FireFit Challenge for HWFRS, where we will be working with local partners and top sports teams across both counties to promote fitness - not only in the Service but also in our local community.
Visitors will also see the type of incidents we get called to and the range of community safety work we undertake. We also hope to show the whole family the real dangers involved in some of the hazards we encounter on a daily basis."
North Worcestershire Call Outs
Friday 26 August
Firefighters from Bromsgrove and Redditch fire stations attended a number of call outs last night, including a serious road traffic collision and a caravan fire.
The call to the road traffic collision came in at 10.10pm at Lea End Lane, Hopwood.
On arrival the crews found the incident involved one vehicle. Three of the car's occupants had released themselves from the vehicle before the arrival of the Fire Service but one female casualty was still trapped inside.
The firefighters used cutting equipment to release the casualty and the stop message was given at 10.58pm.
Just two minutes later the same two crews were called to Beoley Lane, Beoley, to reports of a static caravan on fire.
On arrival at the scene they found that one caravan had been destroyed by fire. They used one main jet and one hose reel to put the fire out and the stop message was given at just before 11pm.
Serious RTC at Stoke Edith
Friday 26th August
Firefighters attended a serious road traffic collision last night at Stoke Edith, Herefordshire.
The incident happened at just after 7.30pm (on Thursday 25 August) on the road between Shucknall Hill and Stoke Edith. Two crews from Hereford and one from Bromyard attended the scene.
The incident involved one vehicle which was in collision with a bridge parapet. Two male casualties were released prior to the arrival of the Fire Service but a further male casualty was trapped in the back of the vehicle.
Firefighters used cutting gear to remove the roof of the car so that the casualty could be released. They worked closely with the paramedics at the scene.
"This was a serious road traffic collision," said Station Commander Neil Pigott, who was officer in charge at the scene. "The young male casualty in the back of the vehicle was severely trapped and it took around an hour for the firefighters to release him. He was cared for by the paramedics before being taken to hospital by ambulance."
Competition Winner Visits Fire Station
Thursday 25th August
A Worcester schoolgirl visited Worcester Fire Station today (Thursday 25 August) after winning a competition organised by Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service.
Tia Hensher, aged 10 and in Key Stage Two at Dines Green Community School, was chosen as one of the winners of the 'Design a Poster' competition, organised during the recent Community Safety Day held at Worcester Racecourse in July.
The competition aimed to promote greater fire safety awareness among children of all ages across Herefordshire and Worcestershire, and Tia and her family were invited along for a tour of Worcester Fire Station followed by lunch at Fire Service Headquarters.
The winning poster design, which included some key fire safety messages, was framed and presented to Tia during her visit.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Richard Lawrence said: "The 'Design a Poster' project is one of many initiatives we run to encourage young people of all ages to think about fire safety, and it was clear from the designs we saw that young people are taking on board our fire safety messages. Tia was a worthy winner in her age category and it was a pleasure to welcome her and her family at Service headquarters today. We hope they enjoyed the visit."
Mia Price, a Key Stage One pupil at Gorse Hill Community Primary School, was also chosen as a winner in her age category but was unable to attend the visit.
Serious barn fire - Update
Thursday 25th August
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (H&WFRS) has this morning (Thursday 25 August) confirmed that the fire at the farm in Heightington, near Dunley in North Worcestershire, is now under control, with just a single fire crew at the scene damping down.
Crews were first called to the incident at 9.21am yesterday morning (Wednesday 24 August) following reports of a large fire at the farm off Hurtle Hill which involved a five-bay Dutch barn and a large quantity of straw, with a field of standing crop nearby.
The first firefighters at the scene found a severe fire involving around 400 tonnes of baled straw. Realising it was already too late to save the straw, their first priorities were to prevent the spread of fire to adjacent agricultural buildings and a large field of maize standing seven foot high nearby.
Extra resources were requested with crews from Stourport, Kidderminster (2), Worcester (3), Droitwich, Malvern and Halesowen (West Mids) attending along with water carriers from Evesham and Leominster, the CAFS (Compressed Air Foam System) from Redditch and the Restricted Access Vehicle from Peterchurch. The Environmental Protection Unit from Stourport and the Command Support Unit from Malvern were also deployed at the incident.
Police also attended, along with Western Power who isolated electricity to overhead power cables affected by fire.
Station Commander Daryl Justice from H&WFRS said: "The urgency of the situation was immediately apparent as there was a very real possibility of the fire spreading to a large field of maize nearby, which would have posed a risk to several residential properties and would have turned it into a very serious and protracted incident.
"Thankfully we had resources in place quickly and crews worked really hard to prevent the spread of fire."
He confirmed that the electricity issues and the presence of farm chemicals stored near one of the farm buildings presented an extra challenge but that they managed to bring the fire under control and start scaling down by around 1.30pm yesterday afternoon.
He added: "While the Dutch barn and all of the hay was destroyed by the fire, crews were successful in preventing the spread to adjacent crops and protecting other buildings at the farm."
Damping down has continued throughout the night and a relief crew is expected to remain at the site throughout the day.
Fire investigators are working with West Mercia Police to establish how the fire started.
Serious barn fire
Wednesday 24 August
A serious fire has broken out at a farm in Heightington, near Dunley, in North Worcestershire.
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (H&WFRS) was alerted to the fire, involving a large quantity of hay and a field of standing crop, at 9.21am this morning (Wednesday 24 August).
Ten fire engines are currently at the scene along with two water carriers and the Command Support Unit from Malvern.
A further update will be issued later today.
Malvern Quarry Rescue
Tuesday 23 August
Firefighters rescued a man from a Malvern quarry after he became stuck near the top.
The incident happened at just before 12.30pm today (Tuesday 23 August) at North Quarry, North Hill.
An experienced mountaineer was out walking when he heard a man calling for help near to the top of the quarry, which is around 200m high. The passer by then dialled 999, donned his climbing gear and climbed down to the man to ensure he was safe.
A crew of firefighters from Malvern, who are specially trained in rope rescue techniques, arrived at the scene along with another crew from Malvern Fire Station.
Watch Commander Saul Bolton said: "One crew kept their eye on the casualty and were able to direct the rope rescue crew to the man who was stuck and the other man who had gone to his aid. The rope rescue crew were then able to belay down to the two men.
"Once they reached the men they used a casualty evacuation harness so they could be hauled to safety one by one. The experienced mountaineer who assisted the man did a really great job. He raised the alarm and made sure the man was safe until we arrived. Thankfully nobody was injured."
Flat fire, Malvern
Tuesday 23 August
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (H&WFRS) was called to Duke of Edinburgh Way in Malvern at around 10.50pm last night (Monday 22 August) following reports of a fire in a block of flats.
With people reported to be inside the building, two pumps from Malvern and three from Worcester were dispatched to the scene, and a further pump from Ledbury, the Aerial Ladder Platform from Worcester and the Command Support Unit from Malvern also attended.
On arrival, crews found that a fire which had started in an outside bin store had spread to the roof space of the building, affecting two first floor flats. Firefighters in breathing apparatus helped evacuate the occupied flats and then used three hose reel jets and a covering jet to put out the fire. Using the Aerial Ladder Platform for access, crews cut away the roof and used the thermal imaging camera to ensure the fire was fully extinguished.
All occupants were safely evacuated before midnight while the stop message was given just before 2.30am this morning (Tuesday 23 August).
Station Commander Phil Major from H&WFRS praised the firefighters involved, saying that the actions of those first at the scene helped stop the spread of fire from the roof space to the rest of the building.
He said: "Three of the six flats in the building were occupied as the fire broke out, and five people, plus a dog and a cat, were safely evacuated, with no one injured.
"The fire was largely confined to the roof space, although there was also damage to the first floor flats where the ceilings had fallen through."
He confirmed that residents had been found alternative accommodation as the flats were structurally unsafe following the fire.
Fire investigators are now working with police to establish how the fire started.
Mobile Home Fire
Monday 22 August
Firefighters received a number of calls reporting a mobile home fire just off the A38 in the early hours of Sunday morning (21stAugust 2011).
The first call came in at midnight and two crews from Droitwich and one from Worcester attended the incident at a farm just off the A38 between Droitwich and Worcester. Crews used one main jet and two hose reel jets to bring the fire affecting a wooden construction measuring approximately 10m x 5m, under control.
During the incident crews also had to a cool a number of gas cylinders which were in the vicinity and Western Power were called to isolate an affected mains supply as fire took hold of an 11KV mains supply pole.
No persons were reported injured and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Shed Fire
Monday 22 August
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (H&WFRS) was called to a shed fire in Perryfields Crescent, Bromsgrove at around 2.15pm yesterday afternoon (Sunday 21st August 2011).
Three crews attended, and firefighters in breathing apparatus used hose reels to extinguish the fire which had broken out in a garden shed situated between two houses. Both properties suffered smoke logging, a boundary fence was severely damaged and the gas board were called to isolate a mains supply which had begun to leak due to the fire.
The fire was brought under control by around 3.15pm.
Station Commander Adrian Moore from H&WFRS said: "The shed was completely destroyed during the incident and both properties either side of the shed were also damaged.
If you discover this type of fire raise the alarm and call the Fire Service. Stay clear of the shed – and keep others away because as contents such as aerosol cylinders or gas bottles can cause significant injury to onlookers."
Iron Causes House Fire
Monday 22 August
An iron, left on when a family headed off on their holidays, caused a fire at a house in Nunnery Lane, Worcester, this morning (Monday 22 August).
Firefighters were called to the property at just before 7.30am after neighbours raised the alarm. The family who lived at the property left for their holidays on Sunday afternoon and had left the iron switched on. As a result a fire developed and took hold of a first floor bedroom – causing severe damage.
Three fire engines from Worcester Fire Station attended the incident and four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the property and put the fire out.
"This fire took hold slowly over a number of hours and unfortunately by the time the alarm was raised it had caused extensive damage to the house," said Station Commander Adrian Moore. "The family have now returned from their holiday and are dealing with the aftermath of the fire.
"We'd like to remind people to allow extra time when leaving the house, particularly when going on holiday, to do a 'final shutdown' of the property. Turn off appliances and close all of the doors behind you."
Worcester Pub Fire
Monday 22 August
Firefighters were called to the Ketch pub in Worcester on Friday evening (August 19) following reports of a kitchen fire.
The alarm was raised was 4.10pm at the pub in Bath Road, Worcester, after a fire broke out in the ground floor kitchen.
On arrival the firefighters from Worcester (x3 pumps) and Droitwich (x1) found that the fire had spread to the first floor accommodation. Teams of firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the pub and used two hose reels and one covering jet to deal with the fire.
Station Commander Adrian Moore said: "The firefighters dealt with a severe fire in the kitchen area and on arrival they found smoke was issuing from the ground and first floor windows.
"As the fire had spread to the void between the first and second floors the firefighters had to cut through floorboards to make sure the area was safe."
The fire was extinguished shortly after 6.00pm and the property ventilated to clear smoke logging. The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental.
Agencies test emergency response to chemical incident
Friday 19 August
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (H&WFRS) joined colleagues from West Mercia Police, Wye Valley NHS Trust, Herefordshire Council and West Midlands Ambulance Service in Hereford yesterday morning (Thursday 18 August) to work in partnership with A&E staff at the city's hospital in facilitating a CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) training exercise.
The training, known as Exercise Chemical Spill, was held at the County Hospital, Hereford, and involved a mock scenario in which four members of the public were said to have been sprayed with an unknown chemical from an overturned tanker in Commercial Street. The aim of the exercise was to test the region's emergency procedures for managing numerous, self-presenting casualties and to demonstrate how the emergency services work together to tackle such incidents.
For its part, H&WFRS sent its Incident Response Unit with a fire appliance from Hereford Fire Station to illustrate the equipment it would deploy if called to assist with casualty decontamination following a real CBRN incident.
Station Commander Bob Sproat, Community Risk Manager with H&WFRS, said: "Exercises of this kind help us all to get a better understanding of each other's procedures and the range of equipment that might be deployed in response to a CBRN incident. By using volunteers as casualties and holding the exercise at the hospital, the training was as realistic as it could be, helping us plan more effectively for future emergency incidents."
John Sharman, Manager for Medicine and Emergency Services at Wye Valley NHs Trust, said: "Hospital services always need to be prepared for unexpected situations and by joining with the other emergency services on this occasion we were able to robustly test our ability to safely treat potentially contaminated patients."
Open Day at Pershore Fire Station
Friday 19 August
Firefighters at Pershore Fire Station will be holding their annual open day on Monday,
August 29.
The free event will be held from 12pm to 4pm at the station in Defford Road.
Those attending will be able to have a closer look at a range of equipment and vehicles used by the emergency services, and members of Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (H&WFRS) will be on hand to offer fire, road and water safety advice.
Operational firefighters from Pershore will be carrying out rescue scenarios, and visitors will also have the chance to look around the fire engines, enjoy refreshments and other activities.
Watch Commander Graham McKechnie said: "This is an annual event we all look forward to. It's a chance to show the local community the type of incidents we get called to and the range of community safety work we undertake. Families can come along, look at our vehicles and rescue equipment and at the same time enjoy a number of great activities."
Caravan RTC on Motorway
Wednesday 17 August
Three fire appliances were called to a road traffic collision on the M5 south between junctions 5 and 6 following reports of a caravan that had overturned on the carriageway.
The call came in at around 1:45pm yesterday afternoon (Tuesday 16th August 2011), and appliances from Bromsgrove and Droitwich attended to the southbound carriageway whilst another appliance from Worcester covered the northbound carriageway. Two people and a dog had escaped from the car on the southbound carriageway and firefighters gave first aid care until the arrival of an ambulance crew.
Fire crews made both the car and caravan safe – ensuring that any gas bottles were checked and removed to a safe location.
Watch Commander Craig Newman said; "Our standard advice to all drivers towing trailers, is to take great care and pay particular attention to issues such as cross-winds or other conditions that might affect you more when towing.
"Hereford & Worcester Fire and Service works closely with the Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia on a range of road safety initiatives to help reduce the number of road collisions, injuries and deaths across Herefordshire and Worcestershire."
Emergency plans to be tested
Tuesday August 16
Health and fire service staff will be testing out their preparedness for a potential major incident this weekend (Sunday, August 21).
'Exercise Sully' will enable staff from Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, and the West Midlands Ambulance Service's Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), to test plans for dealing with a fire on a ward.
The event will take place in the empty Aconbury East wards at Worcestershire Royal Hospital and the role of patients will be played by an army of volunteers.
Lorraine Wilde, Emergency Planning Officer at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "We regularly organise a variety of events to ensure that staff who have a significant role during major incidents are equipped to deal with them.
"Exercise Sully will test our major incident plans and allow us to analyse how staff respond to the need to evacuate patients from a ward. The learning will help us to build on our emergency plans for this potential scenario."
Station Commander Chris Churchill, from Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, said: "By holding these training exercises in realistic surroundings, we can prepare better for real emergency situations, particularly as we'll be working alongside our colleagues in the NHS."
James Price, HART manager, said: "It's not very often we get the opportunity to test ourselves in a real hospital environment so this will provide valuable learning for everyone involved."
A structured de-brief will follow the exercise and key learning points will be taken forward as future tactical plans and policies are formed.
Local residents and hospital visitors are advised that fire engines will be on site during Sunday morning and should not be alarmed if there are signs of smoke. It is a controlled training event.
Signage will be displayed around the hospital site explaining what is happening and disruption will be kept to an absolute minimum.
Teenagers Stuck In Child Swings
Tuesday 16 August
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) have issued a warning following several incidents in less than a week, where high-school aged youngsters got stuck in child swings and had to be rescued by firefighters.
The first of a trio of incidents within the two counties, occurred in Baxter Park Kidderminster around 3:30pm on Thursday 11th August 2011. Firefighters were called to release a 12 year old who was also cared for by Ambulance personnel in scene. Later that night, Malvern firefighters were called to release a 14 year old from an infant swing in the park in Martin Close, Malvern.
Then, last night (Monday 15th August 2011), a 16-year old got stuck in a child's swing around 11pm, in Kemson Park, Bromyard. In this case, the On-Call crew from Bromyard had to use hydraulic cutting equipment to release the teenager.
Station Commander Grant Wills said; "Young people - and their parents, need to be made aware that some play equipment in parks is designed for smaller children. If you are too big, there's a very real chance that you could get stuck and /or injure yourself trying to use it.
"We hope that young people across both counties will take this message on board and use park amenities safely – avoiding the embarrassment of being stuck and having to be rescued by the emergency services."
New Fire Safety Checks for Council Tenants
Monday 15th August
Redditch Borough Council tenants will now be offered free home fire safety checks, following a special training day for engineers by Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service.
On 11th August staff from Ableflame, which carries out yearly gas inspections for the borough council, were taught how to carry out home fire safety check referrals to the Fire Service. These referrals will now be generated during the compulsory annual gas inspections on Council homes.
The inspection reports about smoke detectors or fire safety issues will be sent directly to Fire Service officers, who will carry out a follow-up visit to complete the work and give further guidance to tenants for free.
Cllr Brandon Clayton, Portfolio Holder for Housing at Redditch Borough Council, said: "By joining together with Ableflame and the local fire service, we can help to ensure that all our tenants live in safe, secure homes fitted with modern smoke detectors. We also want them to have information which will help to reduce the risk of fire in their homes.
"This is a great example of the Private Sector working together with the public sector."
Station Commander Phil Griffiths from Redditch Fire Station said: "We are delighted to be working with the council and Ableflame to help keep Redditch residents safer in their homes. By providing fire safety in the home advice we hope to prevent fires from occurring and where necessary we will also fit working smoke alarms, which we know saves lives."
Steve Snow, Ableflame Ltd's Project Manager, said: "If the Fire Safety awareness scheme avoids just one fire related incident reducing any potential injury or damages liability, it will be a huge achievement that supports the whole Community along with providing best value. Ableflame Ltd are proud to be making a difference locally for the benefit of all."
Railway Embankment Fire
Friday 12th August
Kidderminster firefighters were called to two railway embankment fires on the Severn Valley Railway line yesterday (Thursday 11 August).
The first call came in shortly after 3:00pm and the crew tackled a blaze covering 30m x 30m of grass and undergrowth near the Bewdley tunnel.
Later that afternoon the same crew was called at 5:30pm to another fire on the line. Arriving at the scene near the Airstrip, Birchen Coppice, they used beaters and backpacks to extinguish an area of grass and undergrowth measuring approximately 10m x 80m which was well alight.
Area Commander John Hodges said, "Senior Fire Service Officers have been working hard with Severn Valley Railway management to reduce the frequency of this type of fire along railway embankments.
The public are asked to play their part and be vigilant about how and where cigarettes, glass bottles and other potential sources of ignition are discarded – as these items can cause fires in grasslands, undergrowth and fields."
Bromsgrove Traffic Collision
Friday 12th August
Bromsgrove firefighters were called to a road traffic collision on the Stourbridge Road, Bromsgrove shortly after 10:45pm last night.
Two crews quickly arrived at the scene to find a hatchback on its roof. Fortunately, the driver had escaped the vehicle and with no persons trapped, firefighters made the vehicle safe.
Area Commander John Hodges said, "Our standard advice to all drivers is to take great care, especially when driving at night or using rural roads - as statistically this is when some of the most serious road incidents occur.
"Hereford & Worcester Fire and Service works closely with the Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia on a range of road safety initiatives to help reduce the number of road collisions, injuries and deaths across Herefordshire and Worcestershire."
Horse Rescue at Belbroughton
Friday 12th August
Firefighters from Kidderminster in Worcestershire were called just before midday yesterday (Thursday 11 August) to rescue a horse that had collapsed in a field near Belbroughton.
Station Commander Chris White said, "When the crew arrived on scene, the white horse called Jack was lying on his side in the field. He was a reasonably big horse measuring around 15 hands high but, due to his age and medical problems (arthritis and blindness), crews took extra time and care with his rescue.
"We worked with a local farmer and vet then using strops and lines in conjunction with farm machinery we raised Jack back to his feet."
Jack was left in the care of the farmer and his vet as the crew returned to their fire station.
Chemical Incident at Motorway Service Station
Thursday 11th August
Shortly after 2:15am yesterday morning (Wednesday 10 August 2011) the Fire Service were called to attend a reported chemical incident at the M5 Frankley Service Station South. At the scene, a large goods vehicle carrying several tonnes of material required emergency intervention after a small portion of its load was found on the lorry park.
Two crews from West Midlands Fire Service (Northfield and Woodgate Valley) attended the incident alongside specialist Environmental Protection and Incident Response Units from Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service.
Specialist Hazardous Materials Officer, Station Commander Steve Fox of Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (who took charge of the incident) said, "Crews had to wear protective gear and ensure spilt materials were collected, bagged and sealed in a container for transportation and later disposal.
"When goods vehicles carry the correct markings for their load, emergency Services are able to quickly identify the substance, take appropriate action and work together to ensure public safety."
Pebworth House Fire
Thursday 11th August
At around 7:45pm on Tuesday 9 August 2011, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service were called to reports of a house fire in South Littleton, Pebworth, Worcestershire.
The alarm was raised after the occupants smelt smoke coming from upstairs. Appliances from Pebworth and Evesham attended the incident and firefighters wore breathing apparatus to enter the property, extinguish a small bedroom fire and ventilate the premises.
Watch Commander Julian Jenkins said: "It appears the fire was started after the sun's rays were focused onto bedding by a concave mirror. There was a smoke alarm on the ground floor of the house. Smoke alarms should be fitted on every floor of your home - as this will provide early warning in the event of a fire starting either upstairs or downstairs."
The crews fitted a free smoke alarm to the upper floor property as part of HWFRS' free home fire safety check scheme. Further advice about this scheme along with details of domestic fire safety is available via this link. Click here..
Pershore Factory Fire
Thursday 11th August
On Tuesday 9th August 2011, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service were called to reports of a factory fire at a unit in Keytec 7 Business Park, Pershore, Worcestershire.
The alarm was raised by a security guard at around 6:10pm and appliances from Pershore, Worcester, Evesham were mobilised along with the hydraulic platform from Bromsgrove. Firefighters used breathing apparatus and hose reel jets to bring the fire under control which had started in the wooden kiln of a factory unit in the building measuring approximately 25m x 100m.
Station Commander Gary Jay said, "The prompt actions of the crews who initially attended this incident clearly prevented fire spreading to neighbouring units.
"I would like to remind business managers to review their disaster recovery plans. Having a good plan in place will mitigate the damage to your business in the event of an incident outside of your control such as fire or flood."
Further advice for business in available on the Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service website click here
Bromsgrove Fire Station Open Day
Thursday 11th August
Firefighters at Bromsgrove Fire Station will be holding their annual open day on Friday, August 19.
The free event will be held from 11am to 3pm at the station in Windsor Street.
Those attending will be able to have a closer look at a range of equipment and vehicles used by the emergency services, and members of Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service will be on hand to offer fire, road and water safety advice.
Operational firefighters from Bromsgrove will be carrying out rescue scenarios, and visitors will also have the chance to look around the fire engines, enjoy refreshments and other activities.
Station Commander Steve Fox said: "This is an annual event we all look forward to. It's a chance to show the local community the type of incidents we get called to and the range of community safety work we undertake. We also hope to show the whole family the real dangers involved in some of the hazards we encounter on a daily basis."
Lorry Causes M5 to Close
Wednesday 10th August
At around 2:15am this morning (Wednesday 10 August 2011) two appliances were called from Bromsgrove to attend a road traffic collision (RTC), on the M5 southbound between junctions 5 and 6.
The crews arrived to find a lorry had crossed the central reservation and come to rest in a field next to the motorway. The southbound carriageway was closed whilst firefighters used a thermal imaging camera and specialist lighting at the scene whilst they and other emergency services carried out their work.
One person was conveyed to hospital by ambulance and the motorway was re-opened in time for the morning rush-hour.
Firefighters Halt the Spread of Crop Fire
Wednesday 10th August
Firefighters were called to reports of a combine harvester on fire in a field at around 6:00pm yesterday evening (Tuesday 9 August 2011). Crews from Ross on Wye, Whitchurch, Fownhope and Hereford attended the incident affecting around 3 hectares of standing crop near the village hall, in Sellack, Ross on Wye.
Station Commander Neil Pigott said: "The crews did an excellent job to stop the spread of fire to neighbouring crops. They really had to work hard using a combination of water from appliances, beaters and a farmer's tractor (driven by a local farmer) to create a fire-break.
Our specialist off road Pinzgauer and Officers 4x4 vehicles allowed the Service to move around the site more effectively and ensured the incident did not spread further and into surrounding fields."
Skip Fire Moved to Throckmorton
Wednesday 10th August
Two fire appliances from Malvern were called shortly before 1:00pm yesterday lunchtime (Tuesday 9 August 2011), to reports of a skip fire at the household waste site in Worcester Road, Malvern, Worcestershire.
Station Commander Adrian Moore said: "The crews arrived at the scene to find a fire involving refuse within the collector hopper and storage container measuring approximately 8 x3 x3 metres. The risk of the fire spreading was managed by using breathing apparatus, a main jet and hose reel.
As the situation was now managed, it was decided to move the container to the waste site at Throckmorton – where space and on-site facilities allowed the Service to deal with the fire more effectively, whilst minimising disruption and risk of environmental impact to the local area.
This necessitated loading the skip (which was still smouldering) onto a lorry, liaising with West Mercia Police and transporting the skip closely followed by a Fire Service appliance to the Throckmorton waste site where a further appliance from Pershore supported the crew from Malvern to extinguish the fire. This approach allowed firefighters to quickly extinguish the fire whilst minimising the overall environmental impact."
The fire was brought under control around 4:30pm that afternoon.
Hereford Building Fire
Tuesday 9 August
A two storey building in Coningsby Street, Hereford, suffered severe damage after a fire broke out.
The incident happened at just before 6.30am on Saturday, August 6, in a storage building at the Nell Gwynne Pub.
The first crews to arrive on scene found the building was 'well alight' and called for more fire engines and the Aerial Ladder Platform to attend. Crews, from Hereford (x3) Fownhope, Peterchurch and Ewyas Harold, used four hose reel jets and two main jets and breathing apparatus to deal with the fire.
As the fire developed, it spread to Catherine Court (an adjoining block of flats). Fifteen people were evacuated and temporarily sheltered at the Hereford Leisure centre under the care of Hereford Emergency Planning. Firefighters tackled the fire in the timber framed walls and roof of this property by cutting away large areas of the walls to try and prevent the fire spreading. The flats, which were next to the building, were evacuated due to heavy smoke logging.
Station Commander Neil Lilwall said, "This was a severe fire which took hold very quickly, the crews worked hard to bring the fire under control and to stop it spreading any further to the nearby flats. Around 75 per cent of the storage building was destroyed by fire. The close working relationship between the Fire, Police, Emergency planning, Amey and the housing association ensured that the residents were only evacuated for as short a time as possible and surrounding roads were re-opened once the safety of the building has been assessed - which assisted with business continuity in the area."
The cause of the fire is now under investigation.
Chip Pan Starts Flat Fire
Tuesday 9th August
Three fire appliances were called to tackle a first floor flat fire in Firlea, Upton upon Severn, Worcestershire just before 11:30pm last night (Monday 8 August 2011). Crews from Upton, Pershore and Worcester arrived at the building - divided as four flats, and used breathing apparatus, a hosereel and covering jet to bring the fire under control.
All persons were accounted for and one male casualty suffering smoke inhalation was given oxygen by firefighters until the arrival of paramedics. The casualty was later conveyed to hospital by land ambulance.
Station Commander Adrian Moore said: "Our firefighters treated a casualty for smoke inhalation and brought the blaze under control. Due to the extent of the fire damage and smoke logging occupants of neighboring flats also had to be re-located overnight.
"Investigations have shown that the fire started in the kitchen after a chip pan was left unattended. Working smoke alarms can and do save lives. Smoke alarms should be tested on a weekly basis – even if they are mains wired. And, cooking should never be left unattended."
Combine Harvester Fire
Thursday 4th August
A combine harvester was severely damaged by fire yesterday evening (Wednesday 3 August) in a field off the B4362 at Orleton in Herefordshire.
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service was called to the incident at 8.10pm and two fire engines from Leominster were dispatched, joining a pump from Ludlow (from Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service) at the scene.
Crews in breathing apparatus used two hose reel jets to extinguish the fire, which had broken out inside the machine as it was harvesting rapeseed.
Station Commander Neil Pigott from H&WFRS explained: "Due to the huge dimensions of the combine harvester, firefighters in breathing apparatus had top get on top of the machine to tackle the fire inside it. Both the machine and an estimated three tonnes of rapeseed oil inside it were on fire. We were also concerned as there were high voltage power cables overhead but these were unaffected. "
The fire was brought under control by 11.45pm with the rapeseed oil destroyed and the harvester suffering serious damage.
The cause has not been confirmed as yet but thought likely to be linked to the machine overheating and the dust from the crop.
H&WFRS was also called to tackle a fire in a baler at a farm off the Bromyard Road in Kyre (just south of Tenbury Wells) just after 3pm on Wednesday afternoon. Fire crews from Tenbury and Bromyard attended, using four hose reels, drag forks and water back packs to tackle the fire which involved a large baler and two large square bales of straw. The fire was extinguished within an hour.
Redditch House Fire
Tuesday 2nd August
A woman was led to safety by firefighters last night after a fire broke out in her Redditch home.
The incident happened at 7.20pm (on Monday 1 August) at Lodge Road, Smallwood. Three fire crews from Redditch Fire Station attended the incident and on arrival they found smoke was issuing from a first floor window.
Station Commander Phil Griffiths said: "Our firefighters entered the property and found a lady inside. She was quickly led outside to safety and was treated for smoke inhalation.
"Four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the property and used two hose reels to bring the fire under control. The fire was contained to a room upstairs but as the doors were open smoke had spread throughout the property."
The stop message was given at just before 8.30pm once the fire was out and the crews then ventilated the property. The cause of the fire is now under investigation.
Sheds Destroyed by Fire
Tuesday 2nd August
Eight garden sheds were destroyed after a fire broke out in the back gardens of properties in Troutbeck Drive, Warndon, Worcester.
The call came in at 3.45pm yesterday afternoon (Monday August 1) and four fire crews attended – three from Worcester Fire Station and one from Droitwich.
The fire started in one back garden and quickly spread to neighbouring sheds, trees and fence panels and also affected properties in Rydal Close. The firefighters used four main jets and two hose reels to bring the fire under control.
Station Commander Grant Wills said: "On arrival at the scene it was evident that the fire was spreading across the sheds and was making its way towards the properties. Our primary aim was to contain the fire and to stop it spreading further. Thanks to the quick arrival and prompt actions of the firefighters the fire was brought under control without damage being caused to any houses."
The stop message was given at 5.15pm and crews carried out a re-inspection at 8pm. The cause of the fire is now under investigation.
Warning Following Fires at Wychbury Hills
Tuesday 2nd August
Police and fire officers are warning that they will press for the maximum penalties for anyone found responsible for starting fires deliberately in the woods at the Wychbury Hills in North Worcestershire.
The warning follows several incidents in recent weeks on private land on the Hagley Hall estate, in the Monument Lane and Wassell Grove Lane areas.
In one of the latest incident, reported just before 7.30pm on Sunday night (31 July), firefighters from Kidderminster were called to extinguish a tree fire in Wassell Grove Lane in Hagley. Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service's off-road vehicles were also used at the incident, due to the difficulty in accessing the location.
PC Chris Lord, Local Policing Officer for Hagley, said: "Unfortunately this isn't a new problem. We have been called to this area many times to reports of all kinds of anti-social behaviour, as well as fires being started deliberately in the woods and undergrowth.
"We have worked closely with both the Fire Service and the private landowners at the Hagley Hall estate to address this issue and while there are regular police patrols in the area, we are increasingly concerned that this anti-social behaviour will result in serious damage or injury, or worse.
"We'd therefore urge anyone witnessing anti-social behaviour in the area to report this to police, preferably as they see it happening. We'd also warn those responsible that we would look to prosecute anyone found to be involved."
Watch Commander Ade Taylor, Arson Reduction Manager with H&WFRS, added: "These fires are dangerous at any time, but in prolonged spells of hot, dry weather, they have the potential to spread very quickly, endangering lives, property and wildlife.
"Some of the trees in this area are estimated to be thousands of years old while the fort on the Wychbury Hills is of Iron Age origin, and therefore of great historical importance for the local area. Damage to either would be unacceptable.
"Furthermore, the nature of the terrain makes these fires very difficult for our fire crews to reach, and any delay gives the fire greater chance to develop, increasing the risk to both the local environment and to the firefighters involved in tackling the fire."
Urging everyone to act responsibly and to be aware of the possible consequences, he confirmed that in conjunction with West Mercia Police, H&WFRS would press for the maximum penalties for anyone found to be involved in starting fires deliberately.
Anyone with information on anti-social behaviour in the Wychbury Hills can call West Mercia Police on 0300 333 3000.
Shed Destroyed by Fire
Monday 1st August
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service was called to a shed fire in Windmill Lane in Kempsey at around 2.45am this morning (Monday 1 August).
Three fire appliances from Worcester attended, and firefighters in breathing apparatus used a hose reel and a main jet to extinguish the fire which had broken out in a large garden shed situated underneath electricity cables.
The fire was under control by around 3.50am.
Station Commander Mark Strutt from H&WFRS said: "The shed was completely destroyed during the incident and overhead power cables were also damaged."
The fire is believed to have been caused by a flying ember from a bonfire, and he urged anyone planning to light a bonfire to make sure it is located well away from conifers, fencing or other combustible materials, and to be especially vigilant during hot dry spells and in breezy conditions.
E-on Energy also attended the incident.
Warning following Garden Fire
Monday 1st August
Fire crews were called to Pitchcroft Lane in Worcester at 8.35am on Sunday morning (31 July) following reports of a garden fire.
Two pumps from Worcester attended and firefighters used a hose reel jet to tackle the blaze, which involved fencing and a section of guttering at the address.
The fire was under control just before 9am.
Station Commander Mark Strutt from H&WFRS said: "The fire was caused by a candle left burning on an upturned plastic crate in the garden. As the candle burnt down, the crate is believed to have caught fire and spread to fencing and guttering on the house."
He urged residents not to leave candles unattended, inside or outside, and to double-check as part of the night-time routine that all candles have been properly extinguished.
Kitchen Fire Prompts Service Warning
Monday 1st August
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service is reminding residents not to leave their cooking unattended after crews were called to a kitchen fire at a flat in Malvern at around 4.30pm on Sunday afternoon (31 July).
Two fire appliances from Malvern were sent along to the first floor flat in Langlands Close following the activation of a smoke detector at the address. Firefighters in breathing apparatus then entered the property and extinguished a fire involving an unattended pan on the kitchen stove.
The fire was brought under control by 4.45pm, with no one injured and damage restricted to the kitchen area only.
H&WFRS is reminding people to keep an eye on their cooking at all times and to get into the habit of switching off all cooking appliances after use, and double-checking this before going out or going to bed at night.