Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service news from the Sunderland District.A young woman is continuing a remarkable cycle that started with her being unemployed and lost, thanks to the help of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service. Natalie Thornton joined Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service&8217;s Prince&8217;s Trust Team Programme at Sunderland East Community Fire Station in Millfield in May 2009. She had no qualifications and no idea what she wanted to do with her life. Natalie said: "I was unemployed for at least six months after returning from abroad and didn&8217;t have any sense of direction. I had tried college and access courses but they weren&8217;t for me." Natalie&8217;s support worker at Gentoo recommended she joined Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue&8217;s Prince&8217;s Trust course to help get her back on track, and she hasn&8217;t looked back since. At 21, Natalie was the eldest on the course and took some of the younger ones under her wing. Her talent for working with young people led Team Leader Sharann Smith to arrange a two-week work experience placement at Blue Watch Youth Centre in Ryhope. Natalie was an instant success. &8220;I was offered a part-time job at Blue Watch as a youth worker while I completed my course," she said."Once I graduated, I then continued to work more regularly and was supported through my Introduction to Youth Work course, NVQ Level 2 in Youth Work. I am now in my second year of my Community and Youth Studies honours degree at Sunderland University. Being a student at university was never in Natalie&8217;s plans when she first came to the fire station, but she has proved that anything is possible given the right environment and support. She said: "I am returning to the 12-week programme in January as a mentor, and I hope to offer the same support I was given. I would recommend the course to anyone." The change in Natalie&8217;s life cannot be underestimated and she is very grateful to Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and Prince&8217;s Trust for the kick-start they gave her. "I&8217;m now financially stable, have a lovely home, a beautiful family and I'm half way through my professional degree, all thanks to starting the ball rolling at the Prince's Trust Team Programme," she added. The Prince's Trust course gives young people aged 16 to 25, who are unemployed and living in the Sunderland area, a chance to learn new skills to help them into work.It gives young people the opportunity to meet other people, try out new skills, get a taste of the workplace and plan for the future - all in a specifically designed 12-week programme. Sunderland's Prince's Trust Team Co-ordinator, Sharann Smith, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Working with young people to offer them the chance to gain new skills that can help them get a job is particularly important in the current economic climate &8220;We are immensely proud of what Natalie has achieved so far and she is a shining example of what can be done with determination and the right support.&8221; If you are aged 16-25, unemployed and would like to get your life back on track like Natalie, call Sharann Smith, Team Leader, on 0191 444 1289.http://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?EntryId67=59881Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:22:46 GMT20120110112246Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:21:48 GMT20120110112148Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:22:46 GMT20120110112246Tyne 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 GMT20111010125826A Wearside mum is appealing to people to fit smoke alarms after her family had a lucky escape following a fire which broke out in her home on Monday, 26 September. Katrina Walmsley, 39, and her daughter, Charlee, 6, from the Concord area of Washington were asleep upstairs at around 8am when they were woken up by a piercing noise. Katrina said: &8220;I was fast asleep but the noise woke me immediately and I shot out of bed to see where it was coming from. By the time I came too I had realised that it was the smoke alarm going off. I headed downstairs and went into the hall where I could see the kitchen door was partly ajar, with smoke leaking out from the bottom. I carefully peered around the door and saw my stereo on the kitchen work surface well alight sending thick, black smoke everywhere. "I realised that I had to get out as quickly as possible so I closed the kitchen door, rushed upstairs to get Charlee and we got out of the house. It was then that I called the fire and rescue service." Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service's Control Room received the call at 8.24am and immediately sent two fire appliances from Sunderland West Community Fire Station in Washington. They arrived within minutes and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus put out the fire using two hosereels, before ventilating the property. The kitchen was completely damaged by the fire and the rest of the house was also smoke damaged. "I am still in total shock about the whole thing. You really don't think that this will happen to you and I'm so grateful that the smoke alarm worked. Who knows what might have happened had I not had the warning before the fire got totally out of control. I count myself especially lucky as it was only fixed on Friday after it had been faulty for a couple of weeks. Thank goodness it was - I shudder to think about the consequences had it not been. "I am usually meticulous about ensuring the house is as safe from fire as possible before I got to bed at night - closing doors, switching off plugs and never leaving things on standby. The one time I forgot to switch the stereo off, is the one time it really mattered. I would appeal to everyone to get a smoke alarm if you don't have one, check it regularly and always close doors before you go to bed and turn off your appliances. Never leave anything on standby either." Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service District Manager for Sunderland, Keith Carruthers agreed: &8220;Katrina is absolutely right - in this case, she and her daughter were extremely lucky to escape from the house unscathed. There is no doubt that it could have easily ended in tragedy had they not had a working smoke alarm. I echo everything that Katrina has said - switch off and unplug all electrical appliances before going to bed as you never know when a fault may develop and if you don't have a smoke alarm get one today and test it weekly. Working smoke alarms give people vital minutes to escape and it really can mean the difference between life and death." Investigations show that the cause of the fire was an electrical fault. Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Services have been in the Concord area of Washington visiting nearby streets to offer residents free home safety checks, including fitting free smoke alarms, and fire safety advice and will be back in the area again on Monday, 3 October and Tuesday, 4 October to offer more home safety checks. Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service offers free home safety checks to the more vulnerable members of the community and will fit free smoke alarms where necessary. For more information go to www.twfire.gov.ukhttp://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?EntryId67=57940Tue, 27 Sep 2011 15:18:10 GMT20110927031810Tue, 27 Sep 2011 14:24:46 GMT20110927022446Tue, 27 Sep 2011 15:18:10 GMT20110927031810Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has unveiled the new location for its Sunderland North Community Fire Station. The proposed site for the new community fire station is in the Marley Pots area of Sunderland and it will replace the Service&8217;s oldest station based in Fulwell, which was built in 1945. Situated in the heart of the community with good access routes, the station&8217;s new location will mean fire crews are nearer to people who may be more at risk from having a fire. Three years ago Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service revealed its intention to relocate its Sunderland North Fire Station from Fulwell. This was followed by extensive consultation with the local community on its plans. The new site is in an area currently being redeveloped between Old Mill Road and Marley Crescent. The plot of land is currently empty. Sunderland North Fire Station is home to one fire appliance. The new community fire station will continue to be home to the fire appliance as well as provide new community facilities to promote fire safety in the community. The facility includes a community safety centre providing advice and practical help on how people in the area can stay safe from fire. It will also have meeting rooms which can be used by the local community. Chief Fire Officer Iain Bathgate, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: &8220;We are delighted that we are now in a position to realise our plans and I am confident that this will ensure we continue to provide the best fire and rescue service to our local community. &8220;Over the last few years the number of fires has reduced. This is excellent news and a direct result of the increased emphasis we have placed on community safety. However should the worst happen you want to know that the fire and rescue service will be able to respond quickly. It will also have a community safety centre where local people and organisations can get advice and information on how to stay safe from fire. Local people will be encouraged to use our meeting rooms and to visit the centre; long gone are the days where people were discouraged from going to their fire station. Our fire stations are a key part of the community.&8221; Sunderland City Council, Portfolio Holder for Safer City and Culture, Councillor John Kelly, said: &8220;We have been working closely with our community safety partners and the local community to see what kind of fire station they would like to see developed to serve this part of the city. &8220;A community fire station not only houses highly trained staff and the best possible equipment to deal with fires, but also the community safety centre where people can learn more about fire prevention within their own homes.&8221; Ian Porter, Managing Director, Gentoo Sunderland said: &8220;At Gentoo we have been working closely with the Fire and Rescue Service to facilitate building of the new Sunderland North Community Fire Station. This is great news for the local community and we are delighted to play a part securing this land, contributing further to the regeneration of the area.&8221; The Service will be submitting a planning application later this year to build the new Sunderland North Community Fire Station. It is hoped that building on the site will begin in the later part of 2013 with the new community fire station opening in the winter of 2014. If you would like to comment on the Service's proposed site for the new Sunderland North Community Fire Station please email consultation@twfire.gov.uk.http://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?EntryId67=56944Wed, 10 Aug 2011 08:48:12 GMT20110810084812Mon, 01 Aug 2011 09:27:02 GMT20110801092702Wed, 10 Aug 2011 08:48:12 GMT20110810084812The 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 GMT20110617010335Fire officers at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service are stressing the importance of having a working smoke alarm following the tragic death of a man in a house fire in the early hours of this morning (10 May). The Service's Control Room received a call at 00:44 alerting them to a fire at a house in the Millfield area of Sunderland. Two fire appliances from Sunderland East Community Fire Station in Millfield and one from Sunderland Central Community Fire Station in North Moor quickly attended the incident finding the house well alight. The fire started in a bedroom which was completely destroyed by fire and the remainder of the house was severely smoke damaged. Three other people, a woman and two teenage boys, escaped the property before fire crews arrived. They were taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital by ambulance but were later discharged. Six firefighters entered the property with specialist breathing equipment and protective clothing to rescue the man but sadly they discovered him deceased in the bedroom where the fire started. The fire was well developed and the crews were faced with intense heat and heavy smoke logging. The cause of the fire is currently being investigated by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service but it is not believed to be malicious. At this early stage of the investigation it is believed that the house did not have any smoke alarms. Group Manager John Allison, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, attended the incident said: "Our thoughts and wishes are with the family and friends at this very sad time. Fires can have such devastating consequences as we have seen today. "I would also like to take the opportunity to encourage anyone who has not got smoke alarms to fit them in their property and for people to check they work on a weekly basis. They really can be the difference between life and death, providing early warning of a fire and vital minutes to escape." The highly trained crews responded to this very difficult situation with complete professionalism throughout.http://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?EntryId67=55405Tue, 10 May 2011 09:52:52 GMT20110510095252Tue, 10 May 2011 09:51:54 GMT20110510095154Tue, 10 May 2011 09:52:52 GMT20110510095252