Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service news from the South Tyneside District.A 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 GMT20120111093032Police are warning people about the dangers of playing with fireworks following incidents in South Tyneside. Officers were called to four incidents on Friday, October 7, all involving fireworks. A 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage after a firework was put through the letterbox of a home on Snowberry Grove, South Shields. He has been bailed pending further enquiries. No-one was injured as a result of the incident. A firework was set off on the bonnet of a Mini parked at Saint Anne's, South Shields, at 9.30pm, causing damage to the windscreen. Between 10.50pm and 11pm, a banger was placed under the rear windscreen wiper of a Citroen parked at Kenton Court, South Shields. This shattered the windscreen when it exploded. At 11pm, a fire cracker was pushed through an open window of an address on Hartington Terrace, South Shields. The occupant, a 35-year-old man, suffered a superficial wound to his right hand after picking the item up which exploded. And at 12.22am, on Saturday, October 8, a firework was pushed through the letterbox at Brydon Court Nursing Home, on Galsworthy Road, South Shields. This caused no damage. Anyone with information on any of the incidents are being asked to contact police. Insp Peter Sutton said: "Incidents like this may be seen as just a prank but this is far from the case for the victims. "Not only this, it poses a huge danger. An ignited firework could easily start a fire inside a house or property, causing even more damage or serious injury to any occupants. "Any car fire could spread to buildings, not to mention the potential for an explosion if the firework is set off anywhere near the vehicle's fuel tank. "The person setting off the firework is also putting themselves at risk of serious injury. "Unfortunately these people don't think of the possible consequences of their actions. I would urge people to think again before carrying out such a dangerous act. "It's an offence to throw a firework in a street or any other public place and we will be taking action if any such incidents are reported to us." Police will be working alongside their partners over the coming weeks as part of the Darker Nights initiative - a multi-agency campaign focusing on combatting disorder associated with the darker nights - and this year's Bonfire and Fireworks campaign focusing on safety on and around November 5. District Officer, Ian Robertson, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: "We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable time during the bonfire period. This is why we are working closely with Northumbria Police to tackle the consequences of unacceptable anti-social behaviour around the misuse of fireworks and bonfires. "Bonfires and fireworks can cause devastating injuries to others and to those who mess around with them and they even kill. We would encourage everyone to attend professionally organised displays. That way, we can all have a safe and enjoyable Bonfire Night. "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." Councillor Tracey Dixon, Lead Member for Leisure and Community Safety, said: "I&8217;m shocked that people are messing around with fireworks by carrying out such reckless acts. It&8217;s completely irresponsible. "It&8217;s vital that we remind people that fireworks are explosives, not toys, and are dangerous if misused. People who play around with them are not only putting themselves in real danger but they are risking the safety of other members of the public. "While Halloween and Bonfire Night is a time of fun and excitement, it can be an extremely hazardous time of year. We want people to enjoy themselves over this period but it&8217;s important they stay safe and behave responsibly."http://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?EntryId67=58294Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:20:01 GMT20111014042001Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:09:43 GMT20111014040943Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:20:01 GMT20111014042001Tyne 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 GMT20111010125826People living in South Tyneside are safer from fire according to latest statistics from the fire and rescue service. Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service carried out 3,787 home safety checks in the borough last year, an increase of 63% compared to the previous year, whilst a partnership with South Tyneside Homes, the largest landlord in South Tyneside will see another 18,000 homes a year receive a home safety check. Statistics show that a quarter of all house fires over the last two years in the borough happened in social housing. The Service offers free home safety checks to people who are at more risk of having a fire. This includes checking that people have working smoke alarms and that they are situated in the right place as well as fitting smoke alarms if required; ensuring that they have a fire escape plan in place should a fire break out in their home and that they are aware of the importance of a safe night time routine, such as closing doors, unplugging electrical equipment and safe disposal of cigarettes. The number of people injured in a fire in the borough also reduced by two last year, from 39 to 37, and for the second year in a row no one lost their life in a house fire. The number of accidental house fires also reduced by 25% in South Tyneside whilst the number of fires started deliberately which firefighters were called to also reduced from 705 to 698 last year. District Manager for South Tyneside, Ian Robertson, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: "I am really pleased with the progress we are making in South Tyneside to help make people safer from fire. This could not be achieved without the support and commitment of our partners at South Tyneside Council, South Tyneside Homes, the NHS, the police and the voluntary service. By working together I believe we can improve the lives of people in the borough. This is increasingly important within the current economic climate. It's important we continue to provide value for money for local residents. However we must not become complacent. "Community safety is a key part of our role now and our work is paying dividends. Thankfully no one lost their life in a house fire in the borough, however 37 people were injured in a fire. Whilst the number of injuries was down on the previous year it is 37 too many and most of them could have been prevented. We are working hard to ensure we target people who are more vulnerable to having a fire and to make them safer." South Tyneside is home to the Service's specialist rope, animal and heavy rescue team. The Service's two fire stations in the borough; South Tyneside East Community Fire Station in South Shields and South Tyneside West Community Fire Station in Hebburn, also provide meeting room facilities which the community can use, fitted with multi-media equipment. Over the last year the Service has carried out a range of activities to help reduce accidental and deliberate fires. This includes talks to school children and the Phoenix course, aimed at young offenders or young people who are at risk of offending, aged 11 to 17 years. The neutral status of the fire and rescue service and the positive role model of a firefighter help engage with young people to change attitude and behaviour. Over 1,100 school children also attended a 'Reducing Accidents at Play' event and 260 elderly residents attended an 'Older Persons' event at South Tyneside East Community Fire Station, specifically aimed at making them safer from fire. Ian continued: "One of the biggest achievements for the fire and rescue service is the work we have done with the New Tyne Crossing. The new tunnel is the first in the UK to be fitted with an active fire suppression system, making it the safest tunnel in the UK." The Service is also involved in upgrading the fire safety features currently being installed as part of the refurbishment of the existing tunnel. Ian has set out his priorities for the borough over the next year in a document called the District Plan. This is available at www.twfire.gov.uk/yourarea/south-tyneside Key priorities for South Tyneside: Reduce the number of deaths from all fires Reduce the number of injuries from all fires Reduce the number of accidental house fires Reduce the number of all deliberate fires Reduce the number of false alarms in homes? Reduce the number of false alarms from businesses and homes?http://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?EntryId67=56783Thu, 21 Jul 2011 15:42:31 GMT20110721034231Thu, 21 Jul 2011 15:18:33 GMT20110721031833Thu, 21 Jul 2011 15:42:31 GMT20110721034231The 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 GMT20110617010335Council homes in South Tyneside will be safer from fire thanks to a partnership between Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and South Tyneside Homes. Fire and Rescue Service officers have begun training staff from South Tyneside Homes to provide home safety checks and fit smoke alarms in its properties as part of its annual inspection programme. It's an initiative that will see over 18,000 homes in South Tyneside safer from fire over the next 12 months - that's over 30% of the total number of homes in the area. One hundred staff, including South Tyneside Homes' electricians and gas fitters, will receive the specialist training to provide general fire safety advice, including installing the smoke alarms. They will also be trained to give advice on how to test them once they have been fitted. Fire and Rescue Service staff will provide ongoing training and quality assurance checks to ensure high quality fitting standards are maintained. District Manager for South Tyneside Ian Robertson, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: "We're delighted to be working with South Tyneside Homes on this initiative. It makes sense to join forces and train the staff who are already going into these homes. The relationship that they have with the tenants and the fact that they will be returning on an annual basis to check things like gas and electrical supplies and the maintenance of the properties will bring real benefits. It means that smoke alarms can be maintained regularly, in addition to encouraging occupiers to test them weekly. "There is no doubt that having a working smoke alarm can be the difference between life and death, giving tenants an early warning of fire and vital minutes to escape. You are twice as likely to die in a house fire if you don&8217;t have a smoke alarm. Our aim is that every household in Tyne and Wear should have one fitted - this scheme is another example of our innovative approach to achieving this aim." South Tyneside Homes&8217; Director of Investment, Mark Whittle, said: &8220;Keeping tenants safe in their homes is one of our top priorities. As we already visit all the homes we manage and maintain to carry out an annual safety inspection, it is a logical step to use the skills of our own workforce to complete the additional safety checks on behalf of the Fire and Rescue Service. The new partnership will also mean we can make use of the positive relationships we have with our tenants to continuously promote home fire safety.&8221; Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service is providing South Tyneside Homes with smoke alarms, together with a safety leaflet pack for each householder containing fire safety tips.http://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?EntryId67=53958Mon, 14 Mar 2011 14:05:53 GMT20110314020553Mon, 14 Mar 2011 14:01:58 GMT20110314020158Mon, 14 Mar 2011 14:05:53 GMT20110314020553