Senior officers at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and Northumbria Police are condemning the actions of a youth who recently attacked a firefighter. Whilst attending a house fire on Friday 20 January around 9pm in Sceptre Place, Elswick, Newcastle, Firefighter Terry Griffin was outside the house preparing life saving equipment for firefighters who were busy putting out the fire. A group of youths passed him and one of them jabbed him in the ribs. Firefighter Terry Griffin, who has worked as a firefighter for nearly six years, was more shocked than injured by the incident. Terry said: "I am sure it was just horse play by the youths and I did have a word with them about it. He also came back later to apologise." Watch Manager Lee Denny was the officer in charge of the incident. He said: "Whilst this does seem to have been a bit of fun for the youths and I'm pleased they seemed to have seen the error of their ways, firefighters should not have to worry about this kind of thing when they are busy doing their job - saving people's lives." District Manager for Newcastle, Tony Markwell said: "We take any verbal or physical attack against our staff very seriously. It is totally unacceptable and distracts us from our main role of keeping the public safe and protecting them in emergencies. On this occasion it seemed like harmless fun but there is no doubt it could have been worse and could have had life threatening consequences for the occupiers of the house fire. The Emergency Services Act makes it a specific offence to obstruct or hinder emergency workers. We will press for prosecution of anyone who attacks our staff. Thankfully it is a very small minority of people who are responsible for this kind of behaviour and on this occasion no one was seriously hurt." Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service's appliances and vehicles now carry swab collection kits, also known as a 'spit kits', which, if a member of staff is spat at, enables them to collect the evidence and send it to the police to check the DNA and identify the offender. At the same time, all fire appliances are being fitted with 360 degree digital CCTV which will enable the Service to record footage of any attacks on firefighters, which can then be used to seek the prosecution of the offender. The Service has reported the attack to the police who are investigating the matter. Neighbourhood Inspector Leigh McManus said: "Although the person involved and his friends may have seen this as a prank it is unacceptable to assault a member of the emergency services who is there to help save lives. "Their actions could prevent the fire and rescue service from getting on with their job and potentially put people at risk, not to mention those responsible could end up with a criminal record for their actions. "I'd like to remind people we take this sort of behaviour very seriously and I'd urge people to think about the consequences of their actions." Anyone found guilty under the Emergency Services Act may face a fine of up to &163;5,000. Since 1 April 2011 there have been 63 attacks on firefighters in Tyne and Wear (35 of which were verbal). Between 1 April 2010 and 31 March 2011 there were 80 attacks on firefighters (47 of which were verbal) compared with 68 attacks between 1 April 2009 and 31 March 2010 (39 of which were verbal attacks).http://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?EntryId67=60222Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:12:00 GMT20120125071200Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:28:52 GMT20120125022852Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:12:00 GMT20120125071200Police in Newcastle are reminding people about the dangers of fireworks after one was thrown at a car. It happened between 7pm and 8pm on Tuesday, October 25 when a firework was thrown at a parked car at Sovereign Court in the west end, igniting and smashing the rear window. Officers are warning of the dangers of misusing fireworks, which puts both the offenders and members of the public in danger. The Neighbourhood Policing Team in the area have sent letters to both shops in the west end of the city - both those licensed and unlicensed to sell fireworks - reminding them of the law and their responsibilities about selling fireworks. The letters advise retailers to check the age of those buying fireworks to ensure they are aged over 18, not to consider buying fireworks which are illegal and not to sell items such as cracker snaps, party poppers and caps to children under the age of 16. They are also reminded of the punishments in place should anyone flout the law. Those retailers who don't have a license are reminded it is illegal for them to sell any kind of firework. It is illegal for under 18s to buy fireworks of have them in their possession in a public place, and it's illegal for a firework to be thrown in public. Visits have been paid to retailers to ensure they are abiding by the law and that items are being stored to meet the necessary safety requirements. Acting Chief Inspector Leigh McManus said: "There's a reason why there are strict laws around the sale and storage of fireworks. In the wrong hands they can be dangerous and their misuse could cause injury to themselves and others. "This incident on Tuesday night where a firework was thrown at a vehicle is an example of how fireworks can be used inappropriately and illegally and cause anger and frustration for those people whose property has been damaged. "It could be that a person was in the vehicle at the time or in the street and was accidentally injured during the incident. People need to recognise the dangers they are putting themselves and others. "We've been visiting shops in the area in the run up to Bonfire night and while the vast majority of retailers are responsible and are well aware of their responsibilities, there are some that need reminding of the punishment for flouting the law. "Hopefully by reducing the risk of fireworks falling into the wrong hands we can ensure a safe and happy Bonfire period for the community. Anyone who does have any issues in their neighbourhood should contact police." District Manager for Newcastle, Tony Markwell, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Fireworks are incredibly dangerous; in essence they are explosives and as such they can cause serious injury and even death. It's hard to believe that people can be so irresponsible.&8221; To report firework misuse in your neighbourhood contact police on 03456 043 043 ext 69191.http://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?EntryId67=58528Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:43:48 GMT20111027044348Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:42:29 GMT20111027044229Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:43:48 GMT20111027044348Youngsters are being warned they are putting neighbours in danger with their anti-social antics. Over recent weeks there has been an increase in reports to police about disorder involving young people using fireworks and setting bonfires in the West Denton area of Newcastle. Incidents include fireworks being set off in the afternoon causing a nuisance for local residents, bangers being thrown into people's gardens and reports of large bonfires on playing fields. Police are warning youngsters their behaviour could put themselves and others in danger and are reminding them of the laws around bonfires and fireworks. Neighbourhood Inspector Julie Rana said: "Although we've had a number of incidents in West Denton, the advice is relevant for the whole of Newcastle and Northumbria Police force area during the run up to bonfire night. "The youngsters involved may see using fireworks in their street as just a prank but this is far from the case for any victims and for residents in the area as it can result in injury or fires. They could also end up committing a criminal offence. "We're carrying out a number of operations in the run up to Bonfire Night to target those involved in disorder and take action to ensure the safety of the public. "Residents should play their part by making sure they don't leave rubbish lying around and to ensure their wheelie bins are secure and out of sight, as the reports we receive often involve discarded items being set alight or targeted." Police are working closely with partners in Safe Newcastle - including the local authority and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service - to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable Bonfire Night. Joint patrols in local neighbourhoods will identify problems, for example empty properties that may be at risk from fire, and will remove any rubbish that could be used on an illegal bonfire. They are also taking action against those involved in illegal activity. Anyone gathering, dumping or burning waste illegally could be fined up to &163;5000 or face a prison sentence. They are encouraging people to attend organised bonfires and fireworks displays to make sure it is a fun and enjoyable time of year and remembered for all the right reasons. District Manager for Newcastle, Tony Markwell, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, added: "Fireworks are incredibly dangerous; in essence they are explosives and as such they can cause serious injury and even death. It's hard to believe that people can be so irresponsible. "You only have to see the consequences of fire on the lives of four young people in a DVD we have produced which is being used in secondary schools across Tyne and Wear. "They might think playing with fireworks and lighting bonfires is cool, but how cool is having serious burns to your chest and arms like 14-year-old Grant from Newcastle who has had several operations and regular skin grafts each year since he was burned seven years ago." The public can report any build up of waste that could be used on an illegal bonfire - that is, any bonfire on public land or anywhere close to a fence, property or public road - to Newcastle City Council&8217;s Envirocall on 0191 274 4000 . Disorder involving fireworks should be reported to the police. For more information on how to stay safe from bonfires and fireworks and for details of organised displays in your area visit www.twfire.gov.uk/bonfirehttp://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?EntryId67=58277Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:54:22 GMT20111013025422Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:52:56 GMT20111013025256Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:54:22 GMT20111013025422Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has launched a campaign urging young people to have fun but stay safe this Bonfire Night. The fire and rescue service has produced an emotive video and posters that graphically show the real dangers of playing with fire, and the devastating effect it has had on the lives of four youngsters. Caitlyn Rutherford, aged 10, from Gateshead; Thomas Slasor, 12, from Byker; Grant McKenna, 14, from Walker and 18-year-old Sarah Hunter, from Carlisle, were all treated at the special burns unit at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary, having experienced horrific burns. In the video, which will be shown in schools throughout Tyne and Wear, they candidly recount their own heart rending stories of how they suffered their injuries and how their lives have changed forever as a result. Grant McKenna was just seven years old when he accidently set himself alight while playing with a lighter. He said: "The accident was seven years ago, but I still have to go into hospital for skin grafts. I've had three operations and still need some more. It is very painful - it's the most horrible pain you can ever feel in your life. When my skin gets tight I can't do outdoor sports until I've had another skin graft done." He added: "Children should keep away from fire and always let adults set off fireworks and bonfires." Caitlyn Rutherford is still receiving treatment after she was scarred for life when her skirt was set alight three years ago. She said: "I was in hospital for six weeks and the treatment did hurt a lot. I can't play out like normal kids and wear skirts. I've always got to wear pants to cover up my legs and I've got to put cream on. If I go on holiday or down to the beach I have to keep my legs covered up." Area Manager John Baines, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: &8220;We want everyone to enjoy Bonfire Night. However, bonfires and fireworks can cause devastating injuries and even kill you, so we&8217;re asking everyone to take extra care and make sure this doesn&8217;t happen to you or your loved ones. &8220;The run up to Bonfire Night is one of the busiest times for the emergency services. We would encourage everyone to attend professionally organised displays and to report any illegal bonfires that have been built to your local council. That way, we can all have a safe and enjoyable Bonfire Night.&8221; In the weeks running up to Bonfire Night, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service will be visiting secondary schools across Tyne and Wear to educate children and young people about the dangers relating to the misuse of bonfires and fireworks, and to highlight the consequences of anti-social behaviour against emergency workers. Fire crews will be conducting a series of inspections of outlets to ensure the safe storage of fireworks over the period. Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service will work closely with Northumbria Police to tackle the consequences of anti-social behaviour around the misuse of fireworks and bonfires. Superintendent Gillian Mitchell said: "We want Bonfire Night celebrations to be fun and exciting, and above all, safe. With this is mind, we would urge people to visit one of the many organised displays taking place across the region. As in previous years, we will be working closely with the fire and rescue service, local councils and other partners to prevent serious injuries and disorder. &8220;We would also encourage anyone with information about illegal bonfires to report it to their local authority. "By working together we can make sure Bonfire Night is remembered for all the right reasons.&8221; The Service is also working with local councils and other partners to make sure that as many illegal bonfires as possible are removed before they are lit, preventing hundreds of fires from starting and endangering life. Keep safe this year by following the tips below: &8226; Attend an organised display rather than having your own bonfire &8226; Report illegal bonfires that are being built to your local authority &8226; Call 999 to report any illegal bonfires that have been lit &8226; Remember: alcohol and fireworks don&8217;t mix &8226; Always supervise children around fireworks &8226; Never give sparklers to children under five &8226; Keep pets indoors &8226; Ensure you bring your wheelie bin in as soon as it is emptied - it is a target for arson if you don&8217;t! For more information and advice on how to enjoy a safe Bonfire Night visit www.facebook.com/bonfires (13 years) www.twitter.com/tyne_wear_frs or www.twfire.gov.uk/bonfirehttp://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?EntryId67=58188Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:58:26 GMT20111010125826Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:54:51 GMT20111010125451Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:58:26 GMT20111010125826The District Plans for 2011/12 have been published on the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service website. The purpose of the District Plans is to provide an overview of each districts approach to delivering services at a localised level whilst highlighting the performance and associated actions. The District Plans outline what priorities have been agreed by the District Manager and the initiatives being delivered to work towards achieving their aims and targets. Newcastle District Plan North Tyneside District Plan Gateshead District Plan South Tyneside District Plan Sunderland District Plan The District Plans are monitored throughout the year via our performance reporting process which involves key managers providing supporting evidence against the priorities agreed. The District Plans are shared with external stakeholders to demonstrate our relationship with our partners and they contribute to the performance and success of the Authority. For further information relating to a specific District Plan please contact the relevant District Manager, contact information is provided within the relevant district page and at the back of each District Plan.http://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?EntryId67=56091Fri, 17 Jun 2011 13:03:35 GMT20110617010335Fri, 17 Jun 2011 12:58:19 GMT20110617125819Fri, 17 Jun 2011 13:03:35 GMT20110617010335