News Headlines... January 2012
To go straight to any of January's news click on the links below.
Woman Released from RTC | Workshop Fire | Trapped Under Car | Unsafe Electric Blankets | Roof Fire | Chip Pan causes Fire | Car Removed from Railway | Fire Service Celebrates | Boiler Room Fire | LPG Motorway Leak | Fire in Bromyard | Road Safety Warning | Pub Fire | Storridge Barn Fire | FRA Manages Finances Well | Chimney Safety Warning | Electric Blanket Testing, Redditch | RTC Hollywood | RTC Iverley, Kidderminster | RTC Hagley | Cathedral Training Exercise | Icy Roads Warning | RTC at Claines | TV Fire Warning | Chicken Lorry Overturns | Bungalow Roof Destroyed | Redditch Amonia Leak | Bromsgrove Electric Blanket Testing | Passenger Cut Free Following Collision | Service Weather Warning | Serious Flat Fire | Tenbury Bridge Closure | A New Year Resolution
Woman released following road traffic collision
Thursday 2 February
Firefighters were called to a road traffic collision in Evesham this morning (Thursday 2 February) to help release a woman trapped inside her car.
The incident took place shortly before 8.30am and involved two cars in collision along Broadway Road.
Fire crews from Evesham were quickly at the scene where they found a female trapped inside one of the cars. A second casualty had already been released.
Firefighters stabilised the vehicle and then used heavy cutting gear to remove the roof from the car and release the woman trapped inside it. She was then taken to hospital by land ambulance.
Fire crews from Evesham also attended a collision in Station Road in South Littleton at around 8.15pm last night (Wednesday 1 February) involving a building and a car that had overturned. Five casualties were taken to hospital following the incident, while firefighters made the vehicle safe and removed debris to ensure both the building and the roadway were left in a safe condition.
Workshop fire
Thursday 2 February
A garage workshop in Allensmore near Hereford was damaged during a fire last night (Wednesday 1 February).
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) was called to the incident at 9.35pm and two fire engines from Hereford and one from Ewyas Harold attended along with the water carrier from Ross-on-Wye.
On arrival, crews found a well-developed fire in the workshop which firefighters in breathing apparatus extinguished with the use of two hose reel jets. Positive pressure ventilation equipment was also used to help clear the smoke from the building.
Six jet washers and a transit van inside the workshop were damaged during the blaze and the building itself also suffered extensive smoke damage.
Watch Commander Neil Fowler from HWFRS said: "The fire is believed to have started in some industrial jet wash machinery inside the workshop and then spread to other vehicles located nearby. While we had the fire under control by 11pm, firefighting was made more difficult by the icy temperatures which caused the water we were using to freeze, creating hazardous conditions underfoot."
He confirmed that assistance from the police and the Highways Agency was requested, and that the road nearby was gritted following the incident.
Man trapped under car
Thursday 2 February
Firefighters were called to an address in Lugwardine last night (Wednesday 1 February) to help release a man who had been trapped for more than an hour in freezing temperatures under the front wheel of a car.
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service received the call at around 8.10pm and two fire crews from Hereford attended.
Working alongside a doctor, the man was quickly released using low pressure air bags to lift the vehicle off his legs.
Watch Commander Neil Fowler said: "While we can't be sure at this stage exactly how the man came to be trapped under the car, we do know that he had been there for around an hour when fire crews arrived, with both legs trapped and temperatures well below zero.
"Thankfully we were able to release him fairly quickly using the air bags to lift the car, and he was then taken by ambulance to hospital for treatment."
Unsafe electric blankets replaced
Tuesday 31 January
Nearly half of the electric blankets tested during a safety testing session in Bromsgrove last week proved to be defective.
Of the 88 electric blankets brought along to be tested at Amphlett Hall on Wednesday 25 January, a total of 39 failed the checks and were deemed unsafe to use.
Caroline Webster, Community Safety Advisor with Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) said: "This safety testing session was part of a joint initiative between the Fire Service and Age UK which aimed to promote a range of services available to older people in the local community as well as fire safety advice.
"While it's concerning that 44% of the blankets tested at the event were found to be defective in one way or another, we were able to offer replacement blankets on this occasion, and it's reassuring that the unsafe blankets will no longer be used on people's beds."
She urged anyone unable to make the safety testing session to take a few moments to inspect their own blankets, discontinuing use if they notice any signs of wear and tear, particularly any worn leads, scorch marks or creasing and folding.
She also confirmed that 20 Home Fire Safety Checks were arranged during the event, and so representatives from HWFRS will be visiting people in their homes to ensure they have working smoke alarms fitted and escape plans in place, and to offer fire safety advice specific to their particular household.
Roof fire, Newnham Bridge
Tuesday 31 January
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) was called to a roof fire in Newnham Bridge in Tenbury Wells at around 7.10pm last night (Monday 30 January).
Crews from Tenbury, Leominster and Kingsland were quick to arrive at the Tavern Lane address where they found the roof of a bungalow on fire. Ensuring that the two occupants were safely out of the property, firefighters in breathing apparatus used one hose reel and working at height gear to bring the fire under control. They also removed the wooden tiles from the roof and the chimney flue to ensure the blaze was fully extinguished.
Crew Commander Daniel James, based at Tenbury fire station, said that the fire had the potential to be more serious than it was. He explained: "The bungalow was of a wooden construction, with wood frames and wooden roof tiles, and there was also a woodburner in use.
"Thankfully crews were at the scene very quickly and fire damage was restricted to the roof area immediately next to the chimney."
The fire is thought to have been caused by an ember from the chimney landing on the wooden roof tiles.
Firefighters also led an elderly gentleman out of the property during the incident and ensured he had the medication he needed, while volunteers from the Red Cross fire and emergency support service also attended.
Chip Pan Causes Scare
Wednesday 25 January
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service has re-issued its kitchen safety advice following an incident at a flat in Worcester yesterday afternoon (Tuesday 25 January) involving an overheated chip pan.
Crews were alerted at around 1.50pm following the activation of a smoke alarm at the Henwick House flats in St Clements Close, and three fire engines from Worcester fire station were sent to the address.
Crews arrived to find that a pan of oil in the kitchen had overheated, causing extensive smoke logging throughout the flat. Firefighters led an elderly woman out of the property to safety and she was treated at the scene by paramedics for the effects of smoke inhalation. Crews then used positive pressure ventilation to clear the smoke from the property.
There was slight smoke damage in the kitchen as a result of the incident but other flats were unaffected.
Watch Commander Keith Peters from HWFRS praised residents at the flats for following fire safety procedures during the incident. He said: "While an early alert from the smoke alarm helped minimise the impact of this incident, the co-operation from the occupants of nearby flats also played a part and I'd like to pass on my thanks to them."
He also reminded people to take note of the Fire Service's kitchen safety advice which recommends that cooking is never left unattended and that extra care is taken when using hot fat. HWFRS also recommends deep fat fryers with thermostatic switches to prevent overheating as a safer option.
Car on Railway Crossing
Wednesday 25 January
Firefighters were called to a railway crossing in Malvern yesterday morning (Tuesday 25 January) to help remove a car that had become stuck on the crossing following a road traffic collision.
The collision took place at around 9.15am at the crossing near Newland Signal Box in Stock Lane, and involved two cars travelling in opposite directions. One fire crew from Malvern attended the incident, and firefighters used a winch to pull the car from the crossing to safety.
Trains in both directions were stopped while the crossing was cleared.
Watch Commander Martin Gray from Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) said: "Thankfully no one was injured as a result of this collision but the driver was understandably rather shaken."
He confirmed that the car was removed and made safe by 9.40am.
Fire Service celebrates its successes
Monday 23 January
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) celebrated the achievements of more than 50 members of staff at a Celebration of Success event held at the Guildhall in Worcester on Friday night (20 January).
John Hodges, Area Commander with H&WFRS, acted as Master of Ceremonies for the evening, while Chief Fire Officer Mark Yates presented each staff member with a framed certificate to recognise their individual achievement. The Chairman of the Fire and Rescue Authority, Cllr Derek Prodger MBE also attended the event and assisted the Chief Fire Officer to present awards.
The first awards of the evening were presented to two members of staff based at Service Headquarters in Worcester for completing their Masters Degrees. This included Area Commander Jon Pryce, who completed his Masters Degree in Business Administration, Executive Leadership & Management, and Laura Robinson from the Human Resources department, who has completed a Master of Arts Degree in Human Resources Management.
This was followed by presentations to three members of staff who had completed their Level 7 Diploma Awards. This included Emma Birch, Assessment and Development Manager (Training and Development Centre, Droitwich) who had completed her Level 7 Diploma in Human Resource Management, and Group Commander Ian Prust (Operation Logistics, Malvern) and Group Commander Mike Cunningham (Service HQ) who had both completed a Level 7 Diploma in Management Studies (see below for more details of these diplomas).
Nineteen firefighters were also presented with certificates for successfully completing their Trainee Firefighter Programme (see below for more details of this programme).
This included Firefighters Nick Brittain (Whitchurch), Christopher Burrow (Bromsgrove), Jamie Carr (Hereford), Henry Cawdron ( Broadway), James Collings ( Bewdley), Will Daglish (Pebworth), Sean Evans (Bewdley), Mark Glass (Worcester), Luke Harris ( Droitwich), Raymond Manyonga (Droitwich), Stuart McEwan (Leominster), Craig Morgan (Ross on Wye), Craig Rayner (Stourport), Mark Rigby (Bewdley), Aaron Smith (Evesham), Mark Smith (Broadway), Nathan Smith (Pershore), Alan Wharton (Tenbury) and James Wood (Evesham).
CFO Yates also presented certificates to 13 Firefighters and one Crew Commander who have completed their Firefighter Development Programme - NVQ Level 3 (see below for more details of this programme).
This included Firefighters Nigel Birch (Peterchurch), Neil Chaplain (Whitchurch), Danielle Chinn (Worcester), Stephen Cook (Hereford), Peter Hope (Worcester), David Jones (Ledbury), David Knapper (Ross on Wye), Michael Lee (Evesham), Michael Matthews (Redditch), Adam Newell (Worcester), Christopher Powney (Leominster), Matthew Ripley (Ross on Wye) and Ken Taylor (Stourport), and also Crew Commander Craig Smith (Pebworth).
Seven officers were also presented with certificates for completing the Development Programme (see below for more details of this programme).
This included Group Commander Mike Cunningham (Service HQ), Crew Commander Debbie Davies (Kidderminster), Station Commander Phil Griffiths (Redditch), Watch Commander Jon Laight (Redditch), Watch Commander Andrew Lasckey (Malvern), Group Commander Ian Prust (Operational Logistics, Malvern) and Watch Commander Len Rees (Kidderminster).
CFO Yates presented six further members of staff with certificates for completing their A1 Assessors Award (see below for more details of this programme).
This included Watch Commander Chris George (Urban Search & Rescue, Droitwich), Firefighter Simon Harbourne (Droitwich), Watch Commander Phil Harvey (Worcester), Watch Commander Jon Laight (Redditch), Watch Commander Adrian Taylor (Service HQ) and Watch Commander Dave Vickress (Leintwardine).
He also presented certificates to Station Commander Phil Griffiths (Redditch), Station Commander Dan Mourino (Urban Search & Rescue, Droitwich) and Station Commander Maxine Laugher (Fire Control, Worcester) for achieving an Edexcel Level 5 BTEC Professional Certificate in Management Studies (see below for more details of this programme).
The final award of the evening was presented to Crew Commander Debbie Davies (Kidderminster) for completing her Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) Supervisory Management Programme Stage 1 (see below for more details of this programme).
Chief Fire Officer Mark Yates said: "This is our fourth Celebration of Success event and this year's programme was fuller than ever, with a range of personal and professional achievements being recognised.
"We are extremely proud of our staff and their commitment to learning and self-development, and Friday's event was our opportunity to celebrate their hard work and individual successes. It also gave us chance to pass on our thanks to family members for their support, which is so valuable but yet often goes unrecognised."
He also thanked Councillor Derek W Prodger MBE, Chairman of Hereford & Worcester Fire Authority for attending the Celebration of Success event and members of the Young Firefighters Association for helping out during the evening.
Boiler room fire, Wythall
Tuesday 24 January
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) was called to the Phoenix Group offices in Wythall Green Way in Wythall at around 8.50am this morning (Tuesday 24 January) following reports of a fire at the premises.
Two fire crews from Redditch and one from Bromsgrove attended and found the building safely evacuated but one male suffering from smoke inhalation. He was given emergency oxygen therapy by firefighters at the scene and then handed into the care of ambulance staff.
Firefighters in breathing apparatus then went into the building and used a carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguisher and thermal imaging equipment as they tackled the fire, which had broken out in a boiler room in the basement.
Positive pressure ventilation equipment was then used to clear the smoke from the building, and staff were allowed back inside.
Station Commander Steve Fox from HWFRS said: "The fire involved a rubber fan belt which is believed to have shredded and caused heavy smoke logging in the affected area.
"A man who had responded to the activation of the alarm at the premises was given emergency treatment for smoke inhalation but otherwise, the workforce evacuated safely in line with their planned fire safety procedures, and the fire was extinguished by 9.45am, with only minimal damage in the boiler room."
LPG leak following motorway collision
Tuesday 24 January
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) is currently attending a road traffic collision on the eastbound carriageway of the M50 motorway, between junctions 2 and 1.
The Fire Service was alerted to the incident just before 8.30am this morning (Tuesday 24 January) and fire crews from Ledbury (2) and Upton attended.
Station Commander Adrian Thompson from HWFRS, who is still at the scene, said: "The incident was reported to us as a fire involving LPG (liquid petroleum gas) but on arrival, we found that a tank of an LPG fuelled car had ruptured after being involved in a collision, and that there was a significant leak of LPG as a result of this."
He confirmed that as a precautionary measure, both the eastbound and westbound carriageways of the M50 had been closed between junctions 1 and 2 to allow the leaking gas to vent, and that firefighters were using a water spray to assist the gas to dissipate.
The attendance of a specialist LPG engineer has been requested.
There were no injuries reported as a result of the collision.
The incident is on-going but it's hoped that the westbound carriageway can be re-opened in the next hour.
Fire in Bromyard
Monday 23 January
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service was called to a fire at a house in Old Road in Bromyard at around 3.40pm on Sunday afternoon (22 January).
Fire crews from Bromyard and Worcester attended and used one hose jet to extinguish a fire in an open porch area at the back of the property.
No one was injured during the incident but an old sofa was destroyed in the fire and the roof of the porch also suffered slight damage.
The fire is believed to have started after hot embers from a woodburning stove were sucked up by a vacuum cleaner. The waste bag from the cleaner was then left outside the back of the house where it caught fire and spread to an old sofa located nearby.
Group Commander Richard Jordan from HWFRS said that: "Fortunately the fire was noticed before it spread any further but we would like to make people aware that this has happened and urge them to be extra vigilant themselves with hot embers."
The Service advises people to dispose of fireplace ashes in a metal container placed well away from the house.
Road Safety Warning
Monday 23 January
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) launched its Winter Safety Campaign back in September, and since then, has issued a weekly safety message encouraging residents to stay safe in their homes and as they travel on the roads across the two counties.
The focus of this week's safety message is on road safety, with a reminder to all motorists to act responsibly behind the wheel of a car and never to use their mobile phones or other hand-held electronic devices when driving.
Gill Pinder, Education Liaison Officer at HWFRS, said: "We work closely with the Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia and other agencies across Herefordshire and Worcestershire to promote road safety all year round, but the risks in winter are even greater.
"A moment's distraction for a driver can have devastating consequences –and so we'd urge all motorists to avoid any activity that would take their attention away from their driving. Clearly people should never use their mobile phones when driving - not to make phone calls, not to send or read text messages, nor to check their social media alerts."
She urged younger motorists in particular to take note, stressing that they are risking their own lives as well as the lives of their passengers and other road users by using mobile phones or changing the music on their MP3s while driving.
She continued: "Fire crews attended 656 road traffic collisions last year (1 April 2010 – 31 March 2011) and many of these involved serious injury or even fatalities. Road safety is therefore high on the Fire Service's list of priorities and we'd urge everyone to do all they can to stay safe themselves."
Urban Search & Rescue Crew Called to Pub Fire
Monday 23 January
The Service's Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) team was called to a pub near Malvern yesterday morning (Sunday 22 January) to help shore up a fireplace involved in a fire.
The fire, involving a beam above a logburning stove at the Farmers Arms pub in Birtsmorton, was noticed at around 10.25am, and two fire crews from Ledbury attended, along with the USAR unit from Droitwich.
Members of the USAR team shored up the fireplace to allow the safe removal of part of the beam and the logburner.
Station Commander Adrian Thompson from Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) explained: "The occupants noticed the beam was smoking before the pub opened for business on Sunday morning and so called the Fire Service.
"On arrival, firefighters found a deep-seated smouldering in the horizontal beam above the fireplace, and so requested the attendance of the specialist USAR team who were able to shore up the fireplace. Crews then cut away a significant section of the affected timber and removed the logburner to ensure the fire was fully extinguished."
The stop message was given at around 1.15pm although crews made a further inspection at around 6pm as a precautionary measure.
No one was injured during the incident and while there was only minimal damage to the premises, the owners were advised to consult with structural engineers and conservation officers as the pub is understood to be a listed building.
Barn fire, Storridge
Friday 20 January
A barn in Storridge near Malvern was destroyed by fire in the early hours of this morning (Friday 20 January).
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) was called to reports of a fire at a farm off the A4103 in Storridge at around 12.20am this morning, and two fire engines from Malvern and the water carrier from Evesham attended.
Crews found an open-sided barn containing hay and straw on fire, which they extinguished using two covering jets. The barn itself and approximately 250 bales of hay and straw stored inside it were destroyed during the fire.
Station Commander Adrian Thompson from HWFRS said: "While the barn and its contents were completely destroyed, there was no spread of fire to nearby buildings, nor any injuries."
He confirmed that part of the road had to be closed during the incident and that fire officers were working with the police to establish exactly how the fire started.
Audit Confirms Authority Manages its Finances Well
Wednessday 18 January
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Authority (HWFRA) has today welcomed a report which confirms it is managing its finances well.
The Authority's Audit Committee noted the Audit Commission's Annual Letter during its meeting today at HWFRA's headquarters in Worcester. The Letter summarises the findings from the 2010/11 audit.
The Audit Commission examined HWFRA's financial statements and assessed whether it is providing value for money. It concluded that the organisation has "proper arrangements in place to secure financial resilience." It also confirmed that:
- There is a capacity at senior level to provide strong leadership to the Authority
- The Authority has a sound understanding of the current financial environment and undertakes robust planning for the medium and long term.
Councillor Lynne Duffy, Chair of the HWFRA's Audit Committee, said the report highlights the excellent financial planning taking place within the organisation.
"It is clear that the organisation is prioritising its resources within tighter budgets," said Cllr Duffy. "This report highlights that cost reductions are continuing to be made whilst at the same time improving efficiency and productivity.
"The Chief Fire Officer and his team work closely with the Fire Authority to ensure we operate within a stable financial environment. I am delighted that the Audit Commission has noted that we have clear and strong leadership which has a real impact on the successful running of our fire service."
Chief Fire Officer Mark Yates said he was delighted that the Audit Commission had confirmed that the organisation is providing good value for money.
"I firmly believe that we have a sound grasp on the current financial environment which we work within," he said. "Our arrangements are robust so that we ensure we continue to provide good value for money and an excellent service to communities of Herefordshire and Worcestershire."
The report can be viewed on page 15 of the Audit Committee Agenda papers.
Chimney safety warning
Monday 16 January
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) has been issuing week by week safety messages since the launch of its Winter Safety Campaign in September, and with four chimney fires in less than 24 hours at the weekend, the chimney safety messages planned for this week could not be more timely.
Fire crews were called to three incidents on Saturday evening (14 January) - a chimney fire in Bosbury Road in Cradley, near Malvern, at 5.37pm, a woodburner chimney fire in Rock Hill, Bromsgrove at 5.38pm and another woodburner chimney fire in Deep Dean Lane in Ross-on-Wye at 7.10pm – plus a chimney fire in School Street in Honeybourne, near Evesham, at 1.50pm on Sunday afternoon (15 January).
Watch Commander Ade Taylor from HWFRS's Community Safety Team said: "Many more people are choosing real fires or woodburning stoves as a way of heating their homes, and with fuel prices at the levels they are, we can only see this trend continuing.
"However, to avoid the risk of a chimney fire, it's vital that people ensure their chimneys are swept regularly and that they only use the fuels recommended for their particular stove or burner."
He stressed that while chimney fires have the potential to cause extensive damage to a home, most can be avoided simply by following this advice.
Further chimney safety advice, including a list of approved chimney sweeps operating locally, is available under the Your Safety heading.
Electric blanket testing in Redditch
Monday 16 January
Electric blanket users living in or near Redditch can take their blankets along to be safety checked at a multi-agency event being held in the town at the start of next month.
The safety testing session will take place at Redditch Town Hall in Alcester Street, between 10am and 1pm on Thursday 2 February, as part of the Showcase of Services for Older People.
While Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (H&WFRS) and Age UK will be offering free electric blanket safety checks, those going along to the Town Hall event can also get advice on a range of services for older people, including all aspects of fire safety, particularly the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home.
Caroline Webster, Community Safety Advisor with H&WFRS, said: "We've been working with our partners to offer free electric blanket testing across Worcestershire this winter and a significant number of the blankets tested to date have failed the safety checks. We would therefore urge people in Redditch, particularly older residents, to come along on Thursday to check their own electric blankets are safe to use."
Replacements for any blankets found to be defective will be offered during the session, one per household subject to availability.
Electric blanket users unable to make the session are encouraged to take a few moments to inspect their own blankets, discontinuing use if they notice any signs of wear and tear, particularly any worn leads, scorch marks or creasing and folding.
To book your FREE blanket test at Redditch, please make an appointment by calling
01562 512612 or drop by on the day if you are prepared to wait / collect later.
Road Traffic Collision in Hollywood
Monday 16 January
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) was called to a road traffic collision in Hollywood, North Worcestershire, at around 9.30am this morning (Monday 16 January).
The incident involved a car in collision with a garden wall along Sycamore Drive, leaving a woman trapped inside the car.
Crews from Bromsgrove and Droitwich attended and working closely with ambulance staff, firefighters cut the roof from the car to free the woman.
She was released shortly before 10.30am and then taken to hospital by land ambulance.
Road Traffic Collision in Iverley, Kidderminster
Monday 16 January
Two people were taken to hospital following a serious road traffic collision along Sugar Loaf Lane in Iverley, near Kidderminster, at the weekend.
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) was alerted to the incident just before 1am on Saturday morning (14 January) and two fire engines from Kidderminster attended, joining police and paramedics at the scene.
Station Commander Dan Quinn from HWFRS said: "The collision involved a single car with the driver severely trapped inside it. This proved to be a tricky extrication, with fire crews using heavy cutting gear to remove the roof, the wing and the driver's door from the vehicle to reach the casualty."
The driver was taken to hospital by ambulance following his release, while a female passenger, who was treated by ambulance staff at the scene, was also taken to hospital.
SC Quinn passed on his thanks to nearby residents for their help during the incident.
Road Traffic Collision, Hagley
Monday 16 January
Fire crews were called to assist at a road traffic collision in Hagley at around 8.10am this morning (Monday 16 January).
Crews from Stourbridge (West Mids), Kidderminster and Bromsgrove attended the collision which involved two cars along the Birmingham Road, just near the Badgers Sett public house.
Firefighters used cutting equipment to release a woman trapped inside one of the vehicles and she was then taken to hospital.
Crews left the scene at around 9am after ensuring the vehicles involved had both been made safe.
Training exercise held at cathedral
Thursday 12 January
Fire officers say that a training exercise held at Hereford Cathedral earlier this week will help the Service refine the operational procedures it has in place for responding to an emergency at the heritage site.
Two fire crews from Hereford were involved in Wednesday morning's exercise (11 January), which aimed to help firefighters prepare for the possibility of a fire inside the cathedral tower. It followed a similar exercise in October last year when crews practised getting firefighting water from the River Wye to the cathedral.
Watch Commander Boris Borkowski from HWFRS said: "Hereford Cathedral represents the biggest heritage risk in Herefordshire and it's vital that the Fire Service has tried and tested procedures in place for responding to an emergency at the site.
"While the exercise held back in October concentrated on getting water to the premises, the focus of Wednesday's training was to get breathing apparatus and firefighting equipment up at high level inside the cathedral tower."
He praised the crews for their hard work during the exercise and confirmed that they had successfully hauled a hose from the altar area up into position within 20 minutes of the exercise starting.
He continued: "It's vital that we can tackle a fire in the roof space as the ceilings in the cathedral are vaulted false ceilings which hide a very old oak-framed roof. This is very dry and probably presents the greatest risk in the premises."
He said that HWFRS would continue to work closely with the cathedral authorities in Hereford and that the outcome of this latest training would be discussed with them with a view to further improving planning and procedures.
Icy roads warning
Thursday 12 January
With forecasters predicting colder weather over the next few days, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) is urging drivers to be extra cautious on the roads.
The warning is issued as part of the Service's Winter Safety Campaign, now in its 16th week.
Road traffic collisions account for a significant proportion of the incidents the Service gets called to each year (see note below), and the winter months are always busy, with icy conditions presenting an extra hazard for motorists using the many rural roads and motorways in the two counties.
Gill Pinder, Education Liaison Officer at HWFRS, said: "We've been relatively lucky with the weather so far this winter, with only a few icy mornings and no snow as yet.
"Nevertheless, we do tend to see an increase in collisions when the roads are icy and so we are keen to encourage motorists, particularly younger drivers who may not have driven on the ice before, to keep an eye on the weather and take extra care when freezing temperatures are forecast."
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H&WFRS's key safety advice for icy weather includes:
- Keep a regular check on weather forecasts and travel information, and avoid unnecessary journeys if the roads are known to be icy.
- Remember that it can take considerably longer to stop in icy conditions, so reduce your speed and keep your distance.
- Ensure your windows, mirrors and lights are free from ice before starting your journey.
- Ensure your vehicle is well-maintained and serviced, ready for winter.
RTC at Claines
Thursday 12 January
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) was called to assist at a road traffic collision near the A449 roundabout at Claines at 5.40pm yesterday evening (Wednesday 12 January).
wo fire engines from Worcester attended and crews worked alongside ambulance staff to release a male from one of the two cars involved.
Station Commander Adrian Moore from HWFRS said: "The male was medically trapped inside the car and so firefighters used specialist cutting equipment to remove the roof so that he could be released and get the medical attention he needed."
He confirmed that crews also worked with the police to keep one lane of the dual carriageway open in order to keep traffic moving and disruption for other motorists to a minimum.
Warning following TV fire
Wednesday 11 January
A woman in Hereford needed medical attention for smoke inhalation after a television in her house caught fire.
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) was called to Whitecross Road in Hereford just after 8pm last night (Tuesday 10 January) following reports of a fire in the bedroom. Two fire engines from Hereford attended and firefighters in breathing apparatus used a hose reel jet to ensure the fire was fully extinguished.
A female at the address was treated by paramedics for the effects of smoke inhalation after trying to extinguish the fire herself using a bucket of water.
HWFRS advises anyone discovering a fire in their home is to Get Out, Stay Out, Call 999, turning off the mains electricity supply only if it's safe to do so.
Fire damage was confined to the television set in the bedroom where the fire started.
Lorry loaded with chickens overturns
Tuesday 10 January
A driver was injured and a large number of poultry perished when an articulated lorry loaded with 5,000 chickens overturned in Middleton near Tenbury Wells this morning (Tuesday 10 January).
Crews from Tenbury Wells attended along with the Incident Support Unit from Droitwich following the alert at around 5.55am.
Station Commander David James from Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said: "As crews arrived, the lorry was on its side in a ditch with the driver medically trapped inside his cab. We worked alongside ambulance staff to release him and he was then taken by land ambulance to hospital for treatment."
He confirmed that crews also tried to help the chickens by peeling back the curtain on the side of the lorry to improve ventilation, but that a large number had died during the incident.
Roof of bungalow destroyed by fire
Monday 9 January
Crews were called to a fire at a bungalow in Frome Close in Bromyard at around 11.55pm on Friday 6 January.
The occupants, who were in bed at the time, discovered the fire after hearing a noise in the roof space and lifting the loft hatch to investigate.
Three fire engines attended (two from Bromyard and one from Hereford) and crews used two hose reel jets, a covering jet and working at height gear to tackle the blaze.
The roof structure was completely destroyed as a result of the fire, and there was also extensive water damage throughout the property.
The fire is believed to have spread from the flue of a wood burner into the roof space.
Station Commander Adrian Thompson from Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said: "We arrived at the bungalow to find the roof fully engulfed in flames and crews did well to prevent the spread of fire to the rest of the property. Thankfully the occupants noticed the fire when they did and managed to evacuate safely.
"Nevertheless the roof was burnt back to the rafters, with none of the cement roof tiles remaining."
He explained that there was also considerable water damage to the bungalow, partly from the water used for firefighting purposes but also from the plastic water pipes in the loft which melted during the blaze.
A structural engineer had been called to inspect the extent of damage to the property.
Ammonia leak at distribution centre in Redditch
Monday 9 January
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) was called to reports of an ammonia leak at a distribution centre in Redditch at the weekend.
Crews were alerted to the incident at Langdons on the Park Farm Industrial Estate shortly before 1.30am on Saturday morning (7 January), and all three fire appliances from Redditch attended, along with the Environmental Protection Unit from Stourport and the Incident Response Unit from Droitwich.
Firefighters wearing specialist chemical protective clothing went into the premises to investigate and found ammonia leaking from a 1,000 litre tank in a plant room. Using hose reels and a covering jet, they isolated the leak and ventilated the plant room affected.
Station Commander Dave Holland, HWFRS's Hazmat (Hazardous Materials) Officer, explained: "Duty staff had noticed a strong smell of ammonia from the plant room and so had safely evacuated the premises as our crews arrived.
"Firefighters in gas tight suits then went into the plant room to isolate the leak, liaising closely throughout the incident with off-site engineers with specialist knowledge of the premises."
He confirmed that the leak was isolated by 5.30am, with no injuries reported.
Electric blanket testing in Bromsgrove
Monday 9 January
Electric blanket users living in or near Bromsgrove can take their blankets along to be safety checked at a multi-agency event being held in the town later this month.
The safety testing session, being held during national Electrical Fire Safety Week, is part of a joint initiative between Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (H&WFRS) and Age UK, and will take place on Wednesday 25 January at Amphlett Hall in Crown Close, Bromsgrove between 10am and 1pm.
Those taking along their electric blankets to be tested can also get advice on a range of services for older people, as well as on all aspects of fire safety, particularly the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home.
During the session, H&WFRS will be offering replacements for any blankets found to be defective, one per household subject to availability.
Caroline Webster, Community Safety Advisor with H&WFRS, said: "We've been working with our partners to offer free electric blanket testing across Worcestershire this winter and a significant number of the blankets tested to date have failed the safety checks. We would therefore urge all Bromsgrove residents to come along on Wednesday 25 January to check their own electric blankets are safe to use."
She also urged anyone unable to make the session to take a few moments to inspect their own blankets, discontinuing use if they notice any signs of wear and tear, particularly any worn leads, scorch marks or creasing and folding.
To book your FREE blanket test at Bromsgrove, please make an appointment by calling
01562 512 612 or drop by on the day if you are prepared to wait / collect later.
Passenger Cut Free Following Collision at Hampton Lovett
Monday 9 January
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service was called to assist at a road traffic collision at the island off Pointon Way in Hampton Lovett, near Droiwich, at 10.45pm last night (Sunday 8 January).
Two fire crews from Droitwich attended, joining police and ambulance crews at the scene.
Firefighters used StabFast equipment to stabilise the vehicle involved, and then used cutting gear to remove the roof and the side of the car to release the male passenger who was medically trapped inside it.
Both the passenger and the driver were then taken to hospital by ambulance.
Service Issues Weather Warning
Tuesday 3 January
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to take extra care during the current weather conditions.
A number of Fire Services across the UK have today attended a number of weather related incidents although so far none have been in Herefordshire of Worcestershire. However, poor weather can make driving conditions hazardous.
Station Commander Grant Wills from HWFRS said: "The heavy rain over recent days has meant that river levels are higher than usual, particularly in Herefordshire, and we're also seeing branches and other debris on the roads due to current high winds."
"We'd urge people to be extra cautious and take these conditions into account as they travel across the two counties."
Serious Flat Fire
Tuesday 3 January
An investigation is underway following a fire at a flat in Holland Road in Leominster on New Year's Eve (Saturday 31 December, 2011).
A woman living above the flat called emergency services at 5.20am after being woken up by the sound of a smoke alarm.
Two fire appliances from Leominster and one from Kingsland attended , and firefighters in breathing apparatus tackled the fire using one hose reel jet.
There were no injuries as a result of the incident but the flat suffered extensive damage.
Station Commander Neil Pigott from Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) said: "If the lady living above the flat had not been woken up by the smoke alarm, the outcome could have been very different. Her immediate evacuation and call to the fire and rescue service undoubtedly saved her own life and prevented the fire spreading to other parts of the building."
He confirmed that the fire is believed to have been started deliberately and that fire officers are working alongside the police to investigate.
He urged anyone with information to call West Mercia Police on 0300 333 3000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
HWFRS recommends that smoke alarms are fitted on every floor of the home and that they are tested on a weekly basis.
Contingency Plans for Teme Bridge Refurbishment
Tuesday 3 January
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service has made alternative arrangements for responding to emergency calls while essential refurbishment work to Teme Bridge is carried out.
The work, which is scheduled to start on Monday 9 January and take around 10 weeks, will mean that the bridge is closed to all vehicles, including fire engines and other emergency vehicles.
The Service has therefore made detailed contingency plans to help minimise the impact of the closure, and will be in Tenbury town centre this weekend to discuss these arrangements with the local community.
Fire crews from Tenbury will set up near the bridge between 9am – 11am on Saturday morning (7 January) to answer any questions people may have, and will be joined by their colleagues from the police and the council, as well as by representatives from H&WFRS's Technical Fire Safety and Community Fire Safety departments.
Station Commander Chris Churchill from H&WFRS said: "We recognise that bridge and road closures, planned or otherwise, can have a significant impact on access for the emergency services. We have therefore consulted widely with our local partners as we've drawn up our contingency plans for this planned work to Teme Bridge."
This has included consultation with other emergency responders and local businesses in the Tenbury area as well as with colleagues at Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service.
He continued: "We normally have two fire crews operating out of Tenbury fire station and clearly they will not be able to use Teme Bridge for access while the refurbishment work is underway. Instead, from January 9th, there will be one fire engine based at the fire station as usual while the second fire appliance will operate from the council depot in Bromyard Road, on the other side of the river."
SC Churchill ended: "We're fortunate that the fire crews in Tenbury live or work close to the station and have a large amount of local knowledge which we can draw on. We will be monitoring the situation closely as the refurbishment work progresses and will make changes to the contingency plans as needed."
Make a New Year Resolution that Might Save Your Life
Thursday 29 December
An early alert from a smoke alarm really can be the difference between life and death in the event of a fire, and so Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service is urging residents across the two counties to adopt 'Test it Tuesday' as one of their New Year's Resolutions.
'Test it Tuesday' is a national initiative encouraging householders to get into the habit of testing their smoke alarms on a weekly basis.
Station Commander Grant Wills from HWFRS said: "Quite simply, smoke alarms save lives and so we are recommending that testing smoke alarms is high on everyone's list of priorities as they head into the New Year.
"Losing weight, doing more exercise and giving up smoking may be the more common New Year's Resolutions but testing your smoke alarm regularly will give you peace of mind and will also protect you and your family."
He also reminded people that the batteries in their smoke alarms should be changed annually, and that 1 January was a memorable date to adopt to do this.
HWFRS sends out a 'Test it Tuesday' message every week via Twitter and Facebook so why not sign up and get the reminders yourself. Seasonal winter safety advice and links to Twitter and Facebook are available here.....