Latest News

Fire and Rescue Service joins Chinese New Year celebrations

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:19:20 GMT

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service will be joining the Chinese New Year celebrations on Sunday 14 February in Newcastle, providing fire safety advice and carrying out fire safety demonstrations.

Firefighters will be hosting a stall in Stowell Street, Newcastle where they will offer advice on how to prevent fires, as well as giving a demonstration of what to do if there is a fire when you're cooking with oil in a pan or wok.

Watch Manager Karen Soady, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said “We are looking forward to being part of the Chinese New Year celebrations. Learning about and participating in the festival celebrations of our communities is one of the ways the Fire and Rescue Service is developing a better understanding of the diverse population in Tyne and Wear. This helps us to better target our safety messages and to promote fire safety to more people in the community.”

Fire chief takes part in partnership Kiliminajaro challenge

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:29:52 GMT

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service's Chief Fire Officer, Iain Bathgate, together with colleagues from the Sunderland Strategic Partnership are climbing Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, in April in aid of charity.

The group of 20 will start their seven-day climb on 16th April 2010 and plan to raise money for a range of charities such as Grace House Hospice, The Fire Fighters charity, Help for Heroes, the Mayors charities, Scope and Diabetes UK, as well as the African Black Conservation Project (ABPC) in Tanzania. Iain is also raising money for NAG Home for Street Children in Katmandu following a recent visit he made to the city.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service's Group Manager John Allison is also taking part in the challenge.

The team aim to raise £30k collectively for their chosen charities and will be organising a number of fund raising events and activities. These will include things such as treasure hunts and supermarket bag packing.

Local outdoor wear manufacturer Berghaus have provided support to the team giving a training talk and base layer clothing in preparation for the challenge as well as offering discounted kit. Another local company, Sports Performance, have offered advice on nutrition and personal training and Seaham Hall offered every participant the opportunity of a personal fitness assessment.

Iain said: "This is a great opportunity to raise money for some good causes as well as an opportunity to hone our partnership skills in adverse conditions. It has been more years than I care to remember since I have spent a night in a tent and it will be interesting to see how it feels to take it up again.

"I already do a fair amount of hiking so I'm not too worried about the walking. It's the unpredictable impact of high altitude that is the concern. Unfortunately there is no simple way to train for this, nevertheless I'm looking forward to the challenge, as are all my colleagues."

Only 40 percent of climbers who attempt Kilimanjaro ever reach the summit, the main reason people fail is due to altitude sickness. The trek will be led by local guides who are fully trained in high altitude medical care and the team are ensuring they are both properly equipped and physically capable of undertaking the climb.

Others taking part are from the agencies that make up the Sunderland Partnership including City Hospitals NHS Trust, Primary Care Trust, City of Sunderland College, Northumbria Police, Sunderland City Council, Gentoo, Sunderland arc and the Sunderland Community Network as well as Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service. Representatives from two of the city’s private sector organisations, Grundfos and Liebherr, have also committed to the challenge.

Anyone who would like to sponsor me can do so by logging onto www.justgiving.com/twfrs.

Fire crews and police rescue people from property fire

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:18:19 GMT

ire crews from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service rescued five people from a fire in block of flats in the Teams area of Gateshead last night.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service's Control Room received a call at 21.52pm last night. Two fire appliances from Gateshead East and two from Gateshead North Community Fire Station attended the incident. Twelve firefighters tackled the fire which was put out using three hose reels. Three firefighters entered the block of flats wearing breathing apparatus.

The ground floor stairwell was completely damaged by fire and all four flats in the building were smoke damaged.

One of the occupants jumped from a first floor flat prior to the fire and rescue service's arrival whilst a child was passed from one occupier to the occupant who had jumped to safety. One person was also rescued from a ground floor flat by the Police. A Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service Control Room Operator also provided fire survival guidance to one of the occupiers until fire crews arrived.

None of the flats had smoke alarms.

Station Manager Mick Edwards, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: "I would like to praise the firefighters and the police officer for their bravery in rescuing the occupants. There is no doubt that this could have been much worse and we could have been looking at a number of fatalities. I would like to urge everyone to ensure they have working smoking alarms; they can be the difference between life and death, giving early notification of a fire."

DI Derek Barrett of Gateshead Area Command said: "We are pleased we were able to evacuate the building efficiently and there were no serious injuries. This could have been a potentially fatal fire and firefighters and police officers worked effectively to ensure everyone was brought out to safety. We will continue to work with the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service to investigate the cause of the fire."

Over the next couple of days Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service will be visiting neighbouring properties in the area to offer them free home safety checks; providing information and advice on how to stay safe from fire and fitting free smoke alarms.

The cause of the fire is being investigated by the fire and rescue service and the police.

Man dies in house fire

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 17:31:17 GMT

A man in his fifties has died following a house fire in North Tyneside today.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service received a call at 1.43pm this afternoon (19 February). Two appliances from North Tyneside South Community Fire Station and one appliance from Newcastle East Community Fire Station put the fire out using 1 hose reel, with four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus. Unfortunately, upon arrival of the fire and rescue service, the man was found dead in the living room.

The fire in the top floor flat started in the living room which was moderately damaged by fire, heat and smoke whilst the remainder of the flat was damaged by smoke.

There were no smoke alarms at the property.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Tom Capeling at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: "This is a terrible tragedy. At this moment in time we are not sure what the cause of the fire is and our thoughts go to the family and friends of the man."

"We can not stress enough the importance of having working smoke alarms. Smoke alarms give a 95% chance of getting out of the property within five minutes. We advise everyone to ensure they have working smoke alarms in their property and to check them regularly - it really can mean the difference between life and death."

Officers from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and Northumbria Police are currently investigating the cause of the fire.

ENDS

For more information please contact Corporate Communications.

Tel: 0191 444 1513/ 1542/ 1725

Email: corporatecommsofficer@twfire.gov.uk

Young firefighters celebrate awards

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:04:01 GMT

firefighters in Sunderland will celebrate their achievements at a special awards ceremony on 23 February.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service will be handing out awards to young firefighters who have shown outstanding commitment in their work. There will be four awards presented for:

* Young Firefighter of the Year
* Young Crew Manager of the Year
* Most Improved Young Firefighter of the Year
* Most Dedicated Young Firefigher of the Year.

Young Firefighters Association (YFA) Instructor Peter Ahmed, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: "We are always impressed by the behaviour and commitment of our young firefighters and these awards are a way for us to celebrate their achievements, and the skills and knowledge they have acquired through their membership of the Young Firefighters Association."

The awards will be presented by his Right Worshipful Mayor Councillor Dennis Richardson, and will be followed by a practical demonstration by the young firefighters carrying out fire drills.

The YFA provides training and development opportunities for 11 to 17-year-olds through Fire and Rescue Service related activities. Members of the YFA are encouraged to become more responsible, safer and caring members of their communities. Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has ten YFA branches throughout Tyne and Wear.

Photo Opportunity:

Tuesday 23 February at 6:00pm, Sunderland East Community Fire Station, Railway Row, Sunderland SR1 3HE

Fire and rescue service urge public to keep safe as National Chip week kicks off

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 09:59:57 GMT

Firefighters are urging young people and their parents to cook safely in the run up to National Chip Week (15-21 February).

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service will be at Concorde Shopping Centre in Washington on 10 and 11 February between 11am-2pm, where they will be offering safety cooking tips and showing just how dangerous a chip pan fire can be using a special chip pan demonstration. There will even be a chance to win free chips from a local chip shop in a lucky dip competition!

Across Tyne and Wear in *2008-9, there were 476 kitchen fires, 107 of these were caused by chip pans.

Crew Manager Julie Mullen, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We recommend that people don't use chip pans at all. However, if you do cook chips in a traditional pan, it is important to take extra care. Chip pan fires are an all too regular occurrence, and quite often all you need is an interruption like a telephone call or someone calling at your door. As you answer, the pan can be gently bubbling away and forgotten about - and before you know it the pan is ablaze.

“Chip pan fires are a prime example of where we can make major improvements through education, which is why we're visiting this busy shopping centre at lunchtime. There will be plenty of young people about who may be going home after school to cook their tea before their parents get home from work. Our chip pan trailer demonstration graphically illustrates just how quickly and vigorously a fire can develop if fat is left to overheat."

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service recommends that people don't use chip pans at all, but if you do, you should follow the simple fire safety tips below - not just during National Chip Week, but all year round.

Safety tips:

• Never leave a chip pan unattended.

•Don’t overfill a chip pan with oil - never fill it more than one-third full.

•Don’t cook after drinking alcohol.

•Don’t take risks by tackling a fire. Get out, stay out and dial 999.

• Don’t throw water on a chip pan fire.

• In the event of a fire, have an escape route in place.

•Get a 10-year battery smoke alarm and test it regularly.

Here are some alternative ways to enjoy chips:

• Choose oven chips instead. Not only are they safer to cook but they’re lower in fat too.

• Microwave them. It’s quick and easy

• Instead of cooking chips at home, buy a portion of chips from the local chip shop

• Buy a thermostically controlled deep fat fryer and ditch the chip pan. They are safer to use!

Julie continued: “Our aim is to make Tyne and Wear residents as safe from fire as possible and through our innovative approach to prevention and education we are starting to see a drop in these types of fires. We carry out a range of initiatives to make people safer in their homes, such as offering home safety checks to people who are most at risk of fire, including fitting free smoke alarms, offering fire safety advice and exchanging chip pans for thermostatically controlled deep fat fryers.

"However, one chip pan fire is still too many. We hope that by encouraging people to take due care and attention with chip pans, we will continue to see a reduction in these preventable, but often devasting accidents.”

Safety first when it comes to cooking chips say firefighters

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 09:57:02 GMT

Firefighters are urging South Tyneside residents to cook safely as National Chip Week kicks off (15-21 February).

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service will be visiting a variety of locations in South Tyneside including Horsley Hill, Hebburn, Jarrow and the Nook next week offering safe cooking tips and showing just how dangerous a chip pan fire can be using a special chip pan demonstration.

Across Tyne and Wear in *2008-9, there were 476 kitchen fires, 107 of these were caused by chip pans.

Watch Manager James Ferguson, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We recommend that people don't use chip pans at all. However, if you do cook chips in a traditional pan, it is important to take extra care. Chip pan fires are an all too regular occurrence, and quite often all you need is an interruption like a telephone call or someone calling at your door. As you answer, the pan can be gently bubbling away and forgotten about - and before you know it the pan is ablaze.

“Chip pan fires are a prime example of where we can make major improvements through education, which is why we're visiting these busy locations. There will be plenty of young and older people alike, who may be going home to cook their chips that evening. Our chip pan trailer demonstration graphically illustrates just how quickly and vigorously a fire can develop if fat is left to overheat and what happens when someone tries to tackle it."

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service recommends that people don't use chip pans at all, but if you must cook chips in a traditional chip pan, you should follow the simple fire safety tips below - not just during National Chip Week, but all year round.

Safety tips:

• Never leave a chip pan unattended.

• Don’t overfill a chip pan with oil - never fill it more than one-third full.

• Don’t cook after drinking alcohol.

• Don’t take risks by tackling a fire. Get out, stay out and dial 999.

• Don’t throw water on a chip pan fire.

• In the event of a fire, have an escape route in place.

• Get a 10-year battery smoke alarm and test it regularly.

Here are some alternative ways to enjoy chips:

• Choose oven chips instead. Not only are they safer to cook but they’re lower in fat too.

• Microwave them. It’s quick and easy

• Instead of cooking chips at home, buy a portion of chips from the local chip shop

• Buy a thermostically controlled deep fat fryer and ditch the chip pan. They are safer to use!

James continued: “Our aim is to make Tyne and Wear residents as safe from fire as possible and through our innovative approach to prevention and education we are starting to see a drop in these types of fires. We carry out a range of initiatives to make people safer in their homes, such as offering home safety checks to people who are most at risk of fire, including fitting free smoke alarms, offering fire safety advice and exchanging chip pans for thermostatically controlled deep fat fryers.

Road traffic collision on A19 at A184 junction

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 09:54:54 GMT

An articulated lorry overturned on the A19 at the junction with the A184 at Testo's roundabout on Friday 29 January. Six appliances from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, including the Special Rescue Tender used for heavy rescues, were called out to the scene at 2.48pm.

The driver of the vehicle was trapped in the cab. He was attended to and given treatment by paramedics while firefighters from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service cut him free from the vehicle before removing him on a longboard. He was then taken to hospital.

When the lorry overturned, its cargo of loose tea was spilled as well as some diesel. Firefighters used the spilled tea to absorb the diesel and prevent it from entering the drains.

Group Manager Keith Trotter, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: "The Fire and Rescue Service and Ambulance Service worked well together to extricate the casualty from the vehicle while the Police and the Highways Agency implemented traffic management systems to ensure that rescue operations were undertaken in a safe area and traffic got moving again as quickly as possible."

The crane from the Special Rescue Tender was then used to safely remove a lamppost that had fallen onto a van.

For further information please contact Corporate Communications.

Tel: 0191 444 1513/ 1542/ 1725

Email: corporatecommsofficer@twfire.gov.uk

Latest audit shows Tyne and Wear has one of the best fire and rescue services in the country

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:15:18 GMT

The latest government audit has shown that Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service is one of the top fire and rescue services in the country.

The Service has received a score of three out of four in each area of the new two-part audit and is judged as 'Performing Well; Exceeding Minimum Standards'.

The audit is conducted in two parts. The first part examines the Service's 'use of resources', which looks at how well the finances, staff and assets are managed, and how well the Service is run. The second part covers the subject of 'managing performance', which looks at whether the Service makes a difference to local people's lives, whether it is operationally effective and if the Service is improving, has good leadership and works well with partners.

The assessment report states that Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has "an impressive track record of making a positive impact on people's quality of life." It also praises the Service's leadership, operational service, performance and its strategy; which ensures high levels of service, including fast response times. It also highlights the Service's partnership working to help improve the lives of people across Tyne and Wear and the fact that it has made significant efficiency savings.

Chief Fire Officer Iain Bathgate, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: "This is a significant achievement, especially as this assessment is a new and tougher approach. I am delighted that it recognises the excellent service we provide to the community to help make them safer.

"Over the last three years we have reduced the number of injuries from house fires by almost half, reduced the number of accidental house fires by more than double and reduced the number of anti-social behaviour fires by a third. We have achieved this by working in partnership with our colleagues in the local authorities, police, the public and other organisations.

"I am pleased to see that our latest audit contributes to the Oneplace assesssments which let the public know how well public services are performing in their area. I firmly believe that by working well together we have made huge strides in making the area a greater place to live, work, study and visit and that we will continue to do so in the future. However we are not complacent and know we need to continually improve to ensure the best possible service for local people."

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service still has the fastest operational response in the country and for the last two years running it has set the lowest Council Tax precept increase of all the fire and rescue services in the country.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service's assessment contributes to the overall Oneplace assessment of the five local authority areas it covers. Oneplace will give residents an independent view of whether their public services are focusing on what matters for where they live. It shows how well councils, police, the NHS and other local services are working together. More information about the Service's assessment and the Oneplace assessments are available at http://oneplace.direct.gov.uk/Pages/default.aspx

Road safety advice for winter weather

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:51:39 GMT

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and Northumbria Police are urging motorists to drive carefully during the winter months, with advice to stay safe in potentially dangerous conditions.

Although road conditions in Tyne and Wear have improved since the heavy snow and low temperatures last week, motorists should continue to take care on the region's roads and not to be too confident as the thaw presents its own problems.

Drivers should exercise caution and remember the following advice for driving in wintry conditions:

Moderate your speed to match the conditions but try not to brake sharply, use the gears instead to decelerate

Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front – stopping distances are longer on wet or icy roads

Ensure you have adequate visibility by clearing front and back windscreens and all windows/wing mirrors before setting off

Keep your windscreen washer bottle topped up, with the addition of winter screen wash

Clean your headlights front and rear before driving and use dipped headlights when driving in poor visibility, including heavy rain as well as snow

Be alert for pedestrians walking on roads when footpaths are too snowy or icy to use

An ice scraper and de-icer should be carried for day to day use, whilst other useful items include: A torch, warm clothes and a blanket, boots, first aid kit, a shovel, a battery, jump leads and a tow rope

Food and a warm drink should be taken on longer journeys.

Superintendent Jane Simmons of Northumbria Police's Operations Dept. said: "Although we are not seeing the same weather hazards as last week there are still potential dangerous conditions on our roads.

“The continuing low temperatures carry with them the risk of ice especially from melting snow "

"Drivers need to continue to exercise caution on the roads; motorists should not presume that just because there is no snow on the road there is no ice.

"Standing water caused by the thaw can also cause problems, especially as some gullies are blocked by snow preventing water from draining away.

For further road safety advice please visit the Northumbria Police website.