All the latest news from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue ServiceAs Electrical Fire Safety Week draws to a close, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service is encouraging people to download a new app to help keep them safe in the home. The free smartphone app was launched by the Electrical Safety Council with the support of celebrity home improvement duo Colin Ryan and Justin McAllister. The app helps people identify risks in their home and offers advice on resolving them. It allows the user to carry out a quick visual check in their home to ensure it's electrical safety. It's available for use on Android phones and on the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. You can find the app by searching for 'Home Electrical Safety Check' and then following the simple download instructions. Group Manager Dave Jefferson, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: "The app is easy to use and highlights potential dangers for each room. It then explains how to resolve simple, non-technical problems. Where more serious issues are flagged, you are advised to use a registered electrician. "If you're moving home it can be used as a basic tool when viewing accommodation, whether you are planning to buy or rent. But it is also a useful tool for landlords, who can use it to undertake a fast and effective review of their properties to help them fulfil their responsibilities in respect of tenant safety."http://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?EntryId67=60266Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:55:27 GMT20120127015527Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:50:15 GMT20120127015015Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:55:27 GMT20120127015527Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service is warning the public to be extra vigilant when cooking as part of Electrical Fire Safety Week (23-29 January). Electric domestic appliances were responsible for 900 house fires within the Tyne and Wear area since April 2009. By far the most significant cause of fires involving domestic electrical appliances within the home is cooking appliances, which were responsible for 696 fires. Group Manager Dave Jefferson, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Conventional ovens, grills and microwave ovens are the biggest causes of kitchen fires involving domestic appliances and were responsible for more than two thirds of such incidents over the last three years. We are urging all householders to take care when using these appliances and to make sure they are in good working order at all times.&8221; Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service is also urging all households to ensure that they have working smoke detectors fitted and that they are tested weekly to ensure they work. Smoke alarms save lives. They provide people with early notification of a fire and vital extra minutes to escape. The Service provides a free home safety check, including fitting free smoke alarms, to people who are more at risk from fire. To find out more about how to stay safe from fire visit www.twfire.gov.uk/hsc.http://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?EntryId67=60244Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:47:46 GMT20120126014746Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:30:02 GMT20120126013002Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:47:46 GMT20120126014746Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service is warning people not to let electrical failures set their world alight as part of Electrical Fire Safety Week (23-29 January). Shocking statistics show that almost half (49%) of all accidental house fires in 2010/11 in Tyne and Wear were caused by faulty or misused electrical equipment, with most house fires (635) occurring in the kitchen. From faulty fridges and abandoned irons to dodgy plugs and wiring or forgetting to turn off your electrical hob after cooking, electrical equipment can be an unnoticed fire hazard in the home. And with the recent cold weather, many sockets could still be overloaded with heaters and electric blankets, Domestic appliances were responsible for 900 electrical fires within Tyne and Wear since April 2009, with over two thirds (696) caused by cooking appliances, resulting in scenes of devastation in the family home. Tumble dryers and washing machines accounted for 10% (92) of all domestic electrical fires. Smoke damage alone extends far beyond the immediate scene of fire, causing irreparable destruction to clothes, curtains and furnishings which washing will struggle to remove. Many fires occur from basic failures such as leaving combustible materials too close to a source of heat or fire. Group Manager Dave Jefferson, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Electrical appliances are an important part of our daily lives, from essentials like heating and lighting to luxuries like entertainment systems or beauty products. However, because there is no flame it does not mean there is no fire risk, so it is important they are in good working order and are used properly. &8220;Most electrical fires start in the kitchen, so be extra careful with cooking equipment. Fire in the home can be devastating, but many of these fires are preventable. By following some simple steps, you can help keep you and your loved ones safe from fire.&8221; Don&8217;t overload plug sockets Regularly check for worn or frayed wires Unplug appliances when not in use Don&8217;t leave electrical appliances on overnight (unless they are designed to be e.g. fridges and freezers) or when going out Keep appliances clean and in good working order, if possible get them serviced annually by a qualified electrician Consider using an RCD - Residual Current Device - which works like a circuit breaker to protect against electric shocks and reduces the risk of electrical fires The Electrical Safety Council advises that heaters should be kept clear from curtains and furniture and should never be used for drying clothes, while your electric blanket should be unplugged before you go to bed, unless it has a thermostat for safe all-night use. As part of Electrical Safety Week, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service is urging all households to ensure that they have working smoke detectors fitted and that these are tested weekly to ensure they work. Smoke alarms save lives. They provide people with early notification of a fire and vital extra minutes to escape. The Service provides a free home safety check, including fitting free smoke alarms, to people who are more at risk from fire. To find out more about how to stay safe from fire visit www.twfire.gov.uk/hsc.http://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?EntryId67=60239Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:55:43 GMT20120126125543Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:59:01 GMT20120126115901Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:55:43 GMT20120126125543Senior 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 GMT20120125071200Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has issued a warning for people to be extra careful when using domestic white goods as part of Electrical Fire Safety Week (23-29 January). Domestic white goods accounted for 150 incidents in the Tyne and Wear area within the last three years, with 43 fires caused by washing machines, 41 by tumble dryers and 17 by dishwashers. Householders can reduce the chances of these incidents occurring by taking the following actions: Don&8217;t leave appliances on overnight or when going out Switch off and unplug appliances unless they are specifically designed to be left on (eg freezers) Ensure you clean the filters regularly, especially on tumble dryers Ensure appliances are serviced annually by a qualified electrician Group Manager Dave Jefferson, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Many people are unaware of the dangers posed by domestic white goods, but they should remember that just because there is no flame it doesn't mean there is no risk of fire." Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service is also urging all households to ensure that they have working smoke detectors fitted and that they are tested weekly to ensure they work. Smoke alarms save lives. They provide people with early notification of a fire and vital extra minutes to escape. The Service provides a free home safety check, including fitting free smoke alarms, to people who are more at risk from fire. To find out more about how to stay safe from fire visit www.twfire.gov.uk/hsc.http://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?EntryId67=60227Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:52:10 GMT20120125045210Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:49:38 GMT20120125044938Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:52:10 GMT20120125045210Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service is warning people about the dangers associated with small electrical appliances as part of Electrical Safety Week (23-29 January 2012). Small appliances, including hairdryers or straighteners, laptop computers and irons were responsible for 54 fires within the home over the last three years in the Tyne and Wear area. These can be due to electrical faults or as a result of being left unattended whilst family members simply forget they are switched on or become distracted by house callers or even a telephone call. Group Manager Dave Jefferson, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Electrical appliances are a vital part of our day to day lives but it&8217;s important we use them correctly. We need to ensure they are well ventilated, turned off when not being used and that the plugs and cables are in good condition. "Remember, it can happen to anyone - just because there is no flame it does not mean there is no fire risk - so be prepared and take all steps possible to keep you and your family safe from fire." Fire officers are also urging all households to ensure that they have working smoke detectors fitted and that they are tested weekly to ensure they work. Smoke alarms save lives. They provide people with early notification of a fire and vital extra minutes to escape. The Service provides a free home safety check, including fitting free smoke alarms, to people who are more at risk from fire. To find out more about how to stay safe from fire visit www.twfire.gov.uk/hsc.http://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?EntryId67=60165Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:19:26 GMT20120124101926Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:16:58 GMT20120124101658Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:19:26 GMT20120124101926Following the tragic loss of four young lives in Lancashire, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) is stressing the importance of working smoke alarms. Initial fire investigations in Lancashire suggest that the smoke detector in the property was not working. TWFRS recommends that all homes are fitted with working smoke detectors and urges everyone to test smoke detectors on a weekly basis, to help keep their families safe from fire. Whilst smoke detectors do not prevent fires, they do give precious seconds for escape. The Service urges everyone to install, test and maintain smoke detectors. They really do save lives. Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service attends too many incidents where there are no smoke alarms or where they are not working. The Service provides free Home Fire Safety Checks and smoke detectors to people who are more at risk of having a fire. To find out how to stay safe from fire visit www.twfire.gov.uk/hschttp://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?EntryId67=60071Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:06:18 GMT20120117040618Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:03:50 GMT20120117040350Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:06:18 GMT20120117040618New vacancies for Retained 'On Call' Firefighters have been advertised. Follow the links for further information. APPLICANTS MUST:- &8226; Live within a 5-minute travel time of Gateshead North Fire Station (Chopwell)&8226; Be physically fit&8226; Have good eyesight and hearing&8226; Have an interest in the Fire and Rescue Service and helping the community Retained 'On Call' Firefightershttp://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?EntryId67=60036Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:09:46 GMT20120116020946Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:03:58 GMT20120116020358Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:09:46 GMT20120116020946Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority are in the process of developing our first annual Equality Data Report to meet the requirements of the Public Sector Equality Duty. The Duty came into force on 1st April 2011 and requires us to have due regard to the need to: &183; Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation; &183; Advance equality of opportunity for people with protected characteristics; and &183; Foster good relations between people who have a protected characteristic and those who don&8217;t. The Equality Data Report provides equality information about our employees and the people to whom we provide a service. Analysis of the data, along with your feedback, will enable us to identify what our key equality priorities should be and to develop a new Equality Strategy for the Service. Please tell us what you think by viewing the report(s) and completing the consultation questionnaire by 27th January 2012. Equality Data Highlight report Equality Data Full report I would like to take this opportunity to thank you in advance for your feedback. Should you have any queries please contact Adam England, Consultation and Research Officer on Tel: 0191 444 1543 or adam.england@twfire.gov.uk. Iain Bathgate Chief Fire Officerhttp://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?EntryId67=60034Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:43:50 GMT20120116014350Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:32:36 GMT20120116013236Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:43:50 GMT20120116014350A South Tyneside man is warning people to use tea lights with care after a fire broke out in his home. Bill Connell, 56, of Boldon Colliery, has been left in shock following the blaze which has left his house in chaos at the start of the New Year. On 30 December Bill had lit a tea light and left it standing on the top of the TV in the living room - but before he knew it, the living room was on fire. He said: &8220;I was sitting in the other room when I smelt the smoke. I went into the living room and it was full of smoke and the fumes from the burning plastic of the TV were horrendous. It was one of the scariest things I have ever known.&8221; Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service's Control room received a call at 10.18pm on Friday, 30 December and sent crews from South Tyneside East Community Fire Station in South Shields. On arrival the living room was well alight and the rest of the house was full of smoke. Crews quickly put the fire out, with four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus and using two hosereels. Thankfully the fire was confined to the living room which was moderately damaged by heat with the rest of the house receiving significant smoke damage. Bill continued: &8220;Thank goodness it didn&8217;t take the fire crews long to get here. I got a real fright when I saw the amount of damage the fire had caused in such a short time.&8221; &8220;I didn&8217;t realise that you had to put tea lights in proper fire resistant holders and had no idea that the heat from the bottom could get so hot that it would cause a fire, melting the TV completely but when you think about it they are a naked flame and they can be lethal. I&8217;m just glad I&8217;m here to tell the tale.&8221; There were no smoke alarms fitted at the property, a fact which Bill laments. &8220;If I&8217;d had a smoke alarm there would have been a lot less damage. The amount of smoke in the passageway would have set it off and I would have known about the fire much earlier. Even worse, what if I had been asleep and not been aware of the smoke until it was too late? The consequences don't even bear thinking about. When I think back I realise how stupid I was not to have fitted smoke alarms." District Manager for South Tyneside Ian Robertson, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Bill was extremely lucky to escape this fire unhurt and that damage to his house was limited. It could have been so much worse. We urge everyone to take extra care to reduce the risk of fire at all times by fitting working smoke alarms and to ensure candles are placed on a heat-resistant surface. Night lights and tea lights get hot enough to melt plastic. You should also ensure that candles are not left unattended and to check they are definitely out before leaving the house or going to bed. Ian continued: "People also vastly underestimate the deadly strength of toxic smoke and overestimate how long they have to escape should a fire break out. The reality is that two or three breaths of smoke in a fire can render a person unconscious. People think that if they are asleep when a fire breaks out, they will be woken up by the smell of smoke or be alerted by someone else, when in reality, without a smoke alarm, there is a high probability that they may not wake up at all." "I am still in shock," continued Bill. "You always think that something like this will never happen to you but it can. I would urge everyone to be extra careful and never leave candles unattended. Either don't use them at all or make sure you blow them out when you leave the room. It could save you and your family. At the very least, I have a lot of redecoration to do but it could have been so much worse. I thank my lucky stars that I was not fast asleep upstairs." Ian added: "The New Year should be a time for celebration rather than tragedy. We want everyone to have a happy and safe 2012 so we urge people to take fire safety seriously. Get smoke alarms installed, test them weekly, reduce or remove any fire hazards and plan your escape route in case of a fire." Firefighters fitted two smoke alarms at the property. Here are Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service's top tips to protect your family and home from fire: 1. Fit a smoke alarm on each level of your home. Test your smoke alarm weekly and never remove batteries to power other appliances. 2. Plan your escape route. Make sure you and your family know the quickest way out in the event of a fire. Consider an alternative route in case your usual one is blocked. 3. Never leave cooking unattended and avoid cooking while drunk. 4. Never leave candles unattended. Tea lights emit excessive amounts of heat - do not place on or near to combustible surfaces such as TVs, acrylic baths or window sills and ensure they are placed in a fire resistent holder. 5. Don't overload sockets. Always turn off plugs when they are not in use. 6. Make sure cigarettes are extinguished properly and never smoke in bed. 7. Regularly check on older relatives and neighbours as they are at greater risk from fire. 8. Ask the experts: Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service offers free home safety advice. They also offer free home safety checks to those most at risk from fire. This includes identifying potential fire risks and advice on what to do to reduce or prevent them, and will fit free smoke alarms. 9. And finally, in the event of a fire: get out, stay out and call 999. To find out more information on how to stay safe from fire visit www.twfire.gov.uk, www.facebook.com/twfrs and www.twitter.com/tyne_wear_frs See a clip of how quickly a tea light can catch firehttp://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?EntryId67=59913Wed, 11 Jan 2012 09:30:32 GMT20120111093032Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:53:00 GMT20120111085300Wed, 11 Jan 2012 09:30:32 GMT20120111093032