Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service news from the Gateshead district.It takes years to build up memories - and just seconds for them to go up in flames. That's the warning from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service in a new campaign aimed at making people over 60 in Sunderland safer from fire.   Statistics from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service show that you are more than twice as likely to be killed or injured in an accidental house fire in Tyne and Wear if you are over the age of 60, with fires starting in the kitchen being the biggest cause of fires.   Called 'It takes seconds', the new campaign has launched in Sunderland. It aims to make people over 60 safer from fire through a range of activities, including home visits by Community Fire Safety Officers who will be offering free home safety checks.   One Sunderland resident has already benefitted from a home safety check and is urging others to take up the free offer.    Mr Gaze, 63, from Hall Farm in Sunderland said: "We read about the campaign and thought it was a really good thing to get done. I've never had a home safety check before and it's definitely made me feel safer at home. The fire and rescue service fitted two smoke alarms and gave me lots of tips on keeping safer from fire and making sure I have a good bedtime routine, like closing all the doors and making sure we've got an escape plan in place should a fire break out. We are also getting rid of our chip pan and replacing it for a thermostatically controlled deep fat fryer."   Another Sunderland resident Marion Austin-Davies, 62, from Houghton, who has also recently had a home safety check, says: It made me step back and think about how I can prevent a fire in my home. The fire safety officers gave me lots of useful advice. Since they came round, every night I make sure I shut all the internal doors in my house and switch off everything except the fridge and freezer before I go to bed. I also make sure my window and door keys are handy in case I need to escape.   Home safety checks include providing fire safety advice, advising on the best escape plan if a fire does break out, fitting smoke alarms and providing practical suggestions on how to ensure fire safety is part of your daily routine. This includes closing doors at bedtime to reduce the spread of fire, ensuring electrical appliances are properly switched off, never leaving cooking unattended and making sure cigarettes are safely extinguished and disposed of.    Community Fire Safety Officers will be wearing uniform and carrying photographic ID badges. Northumbria Police is also working in partnership with the fire and rescue service throughout the campaign and Police Community Support Officers will be accompanying fire officers on their visits to offer residents advice on bogus callers.   Area Manager for Community Safety, John Baines, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said:  Everyone has a right to be safe in their own home. Fire costs lives and families can be devastated when a loved one dies or their home is destroyed. Many of their possessions and their memories cannot be replaced.   "Everyone is at risk of having a fire in their home but older people are more vulnerable than most which is why we're appealing to people over 60 to let us help make them safer. They can prevent tragedies happening by adopting simple safety measures. Home safety checks are free and quick to carry out. It takes our Community Fire Safety Officers just 20 minutes to complete and it's time well worth spending when you consider how quickly fire can take hold and devastate lives."   Neighbourhood Inspector Cheryl Warcup said: "We're delighted to be working alongside our partners at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and to be able to support this campaign.   "Officers from Sunderland will be joining the Fire Service to offer crime prevention advice and answer any concerns residents have about crime and disorder in their area.   "We're always looking at new ways in which we can positively engage with members of the community and working with the Fire Service is giving us a fantastic opportunity to reassure residents and let them know what police are doing to make their area even safer."   As well as visiting people over 60, the fire and rescue service is distributing posters to shops, post offices, GP surgeries and Sunderland Royal Hospital to highlight the campaign. The fire and rescue service is also working with partners like Age Concern and other support agencies to make sure that as many people over 60 receive vital lifesaving advice.   Here are the top five ways to keep safer from fire:   1.         Get smoke alarms fitted in your home and test them weekly. 2.         Plan your escape route in the event of a fire. 3.         Switch off electrical appliances at night. 4.         Never leave cooking unattended. 5.         Ensure that you fully extinguish any cigarettes and tap your ash into an ashtray, never a waste basket containing other rubbish.  If you or someone you know is over 60 and would like a free home safety check, call freephone 0800 032 7777 or visit www.twfire.gov.uk. Always remember that Tyne and Wear Community Fire Safety Officers will be in uniform and carry photographic identity cards. If anyone has any doubts, they should phone Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service on 0191 444 1500.  Fire Safety Officers are happy to be asked to prove their identity.http://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?EntryId67=49004Tue, 13 Jul 2010 11:30:45 GMT20100713113045Tue, 13 Jul 2010 11:28:10 GMT20100713112810Tue, 13 Jul 2010 11:30:45 GMT20100713113045Residents are being given the opportunity to find out more about their local Fire and Rescue Service at a number of open days organised by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service this summer.   Gateshead South Community Fire Station on Durham Road, Birtley, will throw open its doors to residents on Saturday 17 July from 11am to 3.00pm for a day of fun. Firefighters will be on hand to give fire safety advice to visitors about the importance of having working smoke alarms, how to plan an escape route in case of fire, keeping safe in the kitchen while cooking and how to avoid electrical fires. There will also be operational drills and chip pan demonstrations. Visitors will also be able to sign up for a free home safety check to advise them on how to minimise the risk of fire happening in their homes.   There'll be opportunities to look around the station yard, appliance room and the fire appliances, see how the specialist equipment works and learn how firefighters deal with different emergency situations.   Children will love the excitement of seeing firefighters and real fire appliances and they will be given the opportunity to dress up in authentic fire kit. Entrance is free and there will be funfair rides, side stalls and food, and there will be something to keep the whole family entertained and informed.   Information and advice will also be available for people who are thinking about a career in the fire and rescue service. The fire and rescue service doesnt just employ firefighters but offers a wealth of other opportunities including Human Resources, Finance and ICT. Plus, staff from the Service's Prevention and Education teams will be talking about the work the Service does to prevent fires from happening in the first place, such as going into schools to speak to pupils about fire safety, the Phoenix Project and the Young Firefighters Association.   District Manager for Gateshead Steve Stokoe, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, explains why the open days are an important feature in the Fire and Rescue Service's calendar: "Keeping the public safe drives the work of everyone in Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service. People often think they can't come into a fire station but we want to welcome residents in and invite them to use the new community rooms. Open days like this are a chance for us to spread our community safety messages and help people find out how to keep themselves and their families safe from fire."   He continues: "People know that the fire and rescue service puts out fires and attends road traffic collisions, but there's so much more work that we do to help create the safest community. More and more time is spent working with the community on fire safety initiatives to protect our most vulnerable residents and their homes from fire; carrying out home fire safety checks where we give occupiers advice on preventing fires in the home, helping them to develop a fire escape plan and fitting free smoke detectors. Our open days are a great family day out packed full of attractions."http://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?EntryId67=48989Mon, 12 Jul 2010 18:14:22 GMT20100712061422Mon, 12 Jul 2010 18:13:18 GMT20100712061318Mon, 12 Jul 2010 18:14:22 GMT20100712061422Specialist leadership and management development company Amacus and Gateshead College have secured a contract to help thousands of employees towards improved health and fitness after signing up the latest organisation to an NHS scheme.   Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, which employs 1,300 staff, is the latest organisation Gateshead College has secured for the NHS Better Health at Work Award.   The Amacus and Gateshead College partnership is managing the Better Health at Work Award on behalf of NHS South of Tyne and is the only non-NHS organisation running the scheme in the North East.   Across the region a total of 93 organisations, employing more than 111,000 people working in the public, private and third sectors participated in the award scheme last year, which was delivered by NHS health specialists alongside the college.   The Better Health at Work Award is given to companies committed to improving the workplace and health of their employees. Any size of organisation can participate and employers can take advantage of free guidance and support to meet the award criteria.   Employees at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service will benefit from access to local health support services under this regional award.   Specifically, the service will be developing a programme to help make fire crews' work safer, healthier and happier.   This will include working with the project award team to review physical and mental health policies and identifying individual officers to act as health advocates who will organise health related events and activities.   Meanwhile the services senior officers at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service will be able to use the programme to benchmark against others to measure workplace health and wellbeing and the impact of initiatives on workforces.   Peter Trevithick, area manager for HR and Learning and Development at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: The health of our staff is a critical issue to our service, especially given our life saving role.   We already invest a great deal in the health and welfare of our employees so were delighted to participate in this initiative as we believe it will continue to raise the profile and importance of being an employer that contributes to the wellbeing of its staff.   Tania le Marinel, a member of the Amacus project co-ordination team will be working with the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service. She said: Although fire crews are generally fit we can support individuals with advice about things like heart disease, stress and other mental illnesses.   Unfortunately, other parts of the North East have seen the worst levels of chronic employee fitness in the UK.   Its therefore critical to tackle the problem head on if the regions economy is to be well placed to take advantage of the opportunities as we emerge from recession.   We work closely with organisations on behalf of the NHS to deliver plans which enable employees to better understand the importance of a healthier lifestyle and offer simple yet effective steps to self improvement.   This is another great example of how the Amacus and Gateshead College partnership, are securing important contracts and are rapidly responding to the varied needs of local business.   The NHS is piloting the Award in the region to help address the chronic poor health afflicting local workforces and encourage companies to get in better shape as the economy emerges from recession.   Eight organisations have signed up since the start of the year for the Better Health at Work Award, who join 12 others already in the programme but now looking to step up to the next level.   Combined, this means that the partnership will be helping 37,000 Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland employees in 2010 along the road to improved health.   Others signed up by the college to start the bronze award include Her Majestys Customs and Revenue in Sunderland, South Tyneside Council, Draka, Garlands Call Centre, Akzo Nobel and BAE Systems.   They join Liebherr UK, Jobcentre Plus, ROK Construction, South Tyneside Homes, Gateshead Council and the college itself who already have the bronze award and are now working towards silver in 2010.    To support achievement of the bronze award, the College has introduced a Fit for Life programme which includes a range of initiatives for staff, including free gym membership, healthy food options, a walking club and after-work salsa classes.   The project co-ordination team will continue to work with nominated health advocates at these organisations to identify the topical issues affecting employees and ways to improve them.   Health advocates are also able to take up the Royal Society for Public HealthsLevel 2 Award in Understanding Health Improvement to organisations concerned about improving the health and well being of their workforce. The qualification provides an ideal way of equipping key staff with basic health advice and methods of support which they can then use to inform and assist colleagues and customers. This is funded via the College, delivered by Amacus and is providing added value to the project participant companies.  More information about the Award at www.nebetterhealthatwork.nhs.ukhttp://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?EntryId67=47389Fri, 14 May 2010 10:30:27 GMT20100514103027Fri, 14 May 2010 10:25:24 GMT20100514102524Fri, 14 May 2010 10:30:27 GMT20100514103027A resident has said he would not be alive today if it wasn't for a working smoke alarm fitted by fire crews just a few weeks ago.   Mr Glen Tennant, 36, was asleep with his girlfriend in their flat when the fire broke out in the early hours of this morning.   Glen lives in a block of flats in the Teams area of Gateshead. A fire in the same area, exactly a month ago to the day resulted in fire crews rescuing five people and crews fitting smoke alarms to as many neighbouring properties as possible.   Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service's Control Room received a call about the fire at 00:46 this morning. Three fire appliances attended the incident, two from Gateshead East Community Fire Station in Low Fell and one from Gateshead North Community Fire Station in Swalwell. The fire started in the communal lobby area of the block of flats.   Control Room staff gave fire survival guidance to one lady enabling her to leave the property safely by a ground floor window prior to the arrival of the Fire and Rescue Service. They also gave advice to Glen and his girlfriend who were on the first floor and were rescued by firefighters using a ladder.    Glen said: "I was woken in the early hours of this morning by the smoke alarm which firefighters fitted just a few weeks ago. There is not doubt that I would not be here today if it wasn't for that smoke alarm. I can't praise the fire and rescue service enough - they saved our lives. They were fantastic and I just want to thank them so much. I hope I never ever have to go through that again. Please, please if you don't have a smoke alarm get one - they can be the difference between life and death and certainly were in our case."   The crews put out the fire with four firefighters wearing specialist breathing apparatus and a hose reel.   Group Manager Kevin Gardner, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, who attended the incident said: "Thankfully we soon got the fire under control. However, there is no doubt that this situation could have been much worse if it wasn't for early notification by smoke alarms from two of the properties. If residents had not been alerted to the fire in the early hours of this morning the consequences of this incident could have been tragic.   Ambulance and police were in attendance and all occupants were checked by paramedics as a precaution following smoke inhalation, but they did not require hospital treatment.   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 police and fire and rescue service are now investigating the cause of the fire.http://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?EntryId67=45994Tue, 23 Mar 2010 17:43:17 GMT20100323054317Tue, 23 Mar 2010 17:42:26 GMT20100323054226Tue, 23 Mar 2010 17:43:17 GMT20100323054317Fire 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.http://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?EntryId67=44651Tue, 23 Mar 2010 17:42:12 GMT20100323054212Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:16:42 GMT20100222121642Tue, 23 Mar 2010 17:42:12 GMT20100323054212Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service are holding two public meetings to consult on the future of Gateshead South Community Fire Station's retained fire appliance.   Most fire appliances in Tyne and Wear are staffed by full time crews of firefighters, but there are a small number of appliances which are staffed by retained crews.   Retained firefighters predominantly operate an on- call system which, in the event of an emergency call, requires them to travel to the fire station and then respond to the incident.   Typically up to a five minute delay is permitted from receipt of an emergency alert to a retained firefighter arriving at the fire station prior to travelling to the incident.   Gateshead South Community Fire Station at Birtley currently has two appliances, one full time and one retained. Preliminary investigations have shown that over the last three years this retained appliance has only attended an average of 45 incidents; in 2008/9 it attended 18 incidents.   In addition, its average attendance time in 2008/2009 was over nine minutes which is well outside the average attendance time for our full-time appliances.   Therefore:   We propose to carry out a full evaluation of the value, or otherwise, of maintaining the retained Category 2 fire appliance based at Gateshead South Community Fire Station.   As part of the consultation process, we will be holding two public meetings in the Birtley Area where and presentation of our proposal will be conducted by our senior officers and where members of the public will be given the opportunity to air their views on the proposal.   The two public meetings will be held on:   Tuesday 1st December at 18:30 at Birtley Methodist Church, Station Lane, Birtley, DH3 1DH   Saturday 5th December at 10:00 at Mary Sanders Hall, Moore Crescent, Birtley, DH3 1NP   All members of the public are welcome to attend the meetings.http://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?EntryId67=41161Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:12:43 GMT20091130111243Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:07:39 GMT20091130110739Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:12:43 GMT20091130111243People with learning disabilities are safer thanks to the launch of a new safety book. The booklet has been produced by three people with learning difficulties who attend the Wrekenton Community Base. It was supported by Gateshead Council and funded by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service. The idea came about as a result of the group using the community safety centre at Gateshead East Community Fire Station. Hazel Cavannagh and Muriel Watson who are part of Wrekenton Community Base, became more aware of fire safety after visiting the community fire station. They decided that it would be a good idea to have a booklet using mainly pictures to get fire safety messages across. The booklet covers how to check smoke alarms are working, how to stay safe in the kitchen, electrical safety, fire safety for smokers, candle safety, how to do an escape plan in the event of a fire and what to do if you have a fire. It also includes other ways to stay healthy such as personal hygiene and personal safety. Hazel and Muriel, with the support of their key worker Irene Hamilton, also did all the research and writing for the booklet, called 'Staying safe and keeping healthy in your home: a guide about safety in the home for people with learning disabilities'. It was then produced and printed by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service. The book is also being used to get fire safety messages across to other vulnerable groups in the Gateshead district. Community Safety Administrator Louise Coulthard, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service worked with the group to produce the booklet. She said: "Hazel, Elizabeth and Muriel came up with a great idea which is not only helping people with learning disabilities across Gateshead to become safer but is also helping other vulnerable groups, such as older people and asylum and refugee seekers where English is not spoken. We hope the booklet will create a safer community in Gateshead by reducing fires and deaths and injuries from fires. On a personal note it has been a pleasure to working with them - their enthusiasm for the booklet has been infectious and I am sure their work will greatly benefit other people. Margaret Whellans, Group Director for Community Based Services, Gateshead Council, said: "This is a really useful and imaginative booklet. The idea is such a good one that its a surprise that nobody has ever thought of doing one like this before. Hazel, Elizabeth and Muriel are to be congratulated for a truly excellent piece of work. "What this leaflet demonstrates and its an important point for anyone working in adult social care is the crucial importance of listening to people and asking them what they want. Its wrong to assume that we always know whats best for other people it has to be a two-way process. This excellent leaflet clearly shows what that process can achieve." Hazel Cavannagh said: "We went to Gateshead Community Fire Station and decided to make a book about fire safety. We hope it will make people in Gateshead safer in their houses."   Muriel Watson said: "We are really pleased and proud that we've got the book printed and that it is being used to help lots of people. We can't wait to do another information book."http://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?EntryId67=41022Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:40:14 GMT20091126044014Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:28:43 GMT20091126042843Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:40:14 GMT20091126044014A brave firefighter who saved the life of an elderly lady in a house fire whilst off duty has had his actions formally recognised.   Firefighter Graham Dodd, 35, from Chopwell, has been awarded the Bravery and Meritorious Conduct Award by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority in recognition of his heroic achievement.   Graham was alerted to the fire in Humber Street, Chopwell by a neighbour on 24 August whilst he was looking after his 15 month old daughter. He immediately went to assist and on seeing the front door well alight Graham forced entry through the back door of the house. Despite being the house being consumed by thick black smoke Graham managed to locate the lady in the kitchen and rescue her.   Chairman Tom Wright, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority, will be presenting Graham with his Award on Monday 23 November. He said: "Our firefighters risk their lives on a daily basis but to do this whilst off duty and without the normal protective equipment was heroic. There is no doubt that without Graham's bravery the lady could have died. I am extremely proud to present Graham with this award and would like to thank him personally for his courageous actions."   Graham said: "My family and friends are really proud that I've received this award. I was  just in the right place at the right time and I am sure its something any firefighter would do. It all happened so quick and I just went into automatic pilot. Other people were already trying to force entry through the back door but could not get into the house. I managed to kick the door in and found the house full of thick black smoke. It was very difficult to see anything so I felt around the room to locate her. I found the lady in the kitchen and passed her out to the other people in the yard who helped with the rescue."   Watch Manager Barry Maugham, who was the officer in charge of the incident, nominated Graham for the Award. He said: "Graham did a fantastic job and deserves to be formally recognised for the rescue. There is no doubt that had it not been for his quick actions the outcome of the fire could have been much worse. What he did was completely unselfish - what more could you do for a neighbour than save her life."   Watch Manager Steve Lynass is Graham's watch manager at both community fire stations. He said: "We are immensely proud of him and I know the whole community of Chopwell is.  Graham used his firefighting skills to rescue the lady, without any appropriate protective equipment, putting his own life on the line."   Following the rescue Graham and the lady were taken to Newcastle General Hospital and treated for smoke inhalation.   Graham has been a full time firefighter for four years and works at Gateshead North Community Fire Station in Swalwell. He has also been a retained firefighter at Gateshead West Community Fire Station in Chopwell for 16 years. He is married with with three daughters aged 11, 9 and 1.http://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?EntryId67=40314Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:06:53 GMT20091119020653Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:50:55 GMT20091118035055Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:06:53 GMT20091119020653Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service staff were kept busy round the clock during Bonfire Night, traditionally one of the busiest times for emergency services.   The Service's Control Room received 660 calls - a 5.7% increase on the 624 calls received last year, but a 26.6% decrease since 2007.   Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Tom Capeling said: I would like to praise our staff for their hard work under difficult circumstances on what is one of our busiest times of the year. Our main aim was for everyone to enjoy a safe Bonfire Night and we worked hard to ensure this happened. Over the last few months, we have worked in partnership with local authorities and the police, to make people safer. It is thanks to all this hard work, and to residents taking the valuable safety advice to heart, that the majority of people had an enjoyable Bonfire Night. We would like to thank parents, children and the public in general for their support and co-operation in helping convey these important messages."   Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service staff have visited schools across Tyne and Wear during the run up to the Bonfire period to talk to pupils about the dangers of misusing bonfires and fireworks, and to highlight the consequences of antisocial behaviour against emergency workers. They have also carried out a series of inspections of retail outlets to make sure fireworks were being stored safely, and parents and shopkeepers were asked to be vigilant to make sure that under 18s didn't get hold of fireworks. Staff also worked with the local authorities across Tyne and Wear to report and ensure illegal bonfires were removed, and worked with Northumbria Police to combat antisocial behaviour.   Tom continued: "However, with Bonfire night falling on a Thursday this year, we know that we could well be busy until Monday as people continue to celebrate over the rest of the weekend. We would encourage everyone to attend an organised display."http://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?EntryId67=35777Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:51:38 GMT20091106095138Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:50:24 GMT20091106095024Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:51:38 GMT20091106095138As bonfire celebrations hot up Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service is reminding everyone to have a safe and enjoyable Bonfire Night by going to organised displays and following simple safety advice.   The plea comes less than 48 hours before one of the busiest nights of the year for the fire and rescue service.   Assistant Chief Fire Officer Tom Capeling from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: "Our message is simple: bonfires and fireworks can injure and even kill you. Dont let this happen to you or your loved ones.   Bonfire Night is one of our busiest periods and were appealing to the public to play their part in helping us to keep everyone safe this year.  We urge everyone to attend professionally organised displays and report any unlit illegal bonfires that have been built to their local authority for removal. That way, we can all have a safe and enjoyable bonfire experience.   Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has spent the last few weeks visiting secondary schools across Tyne and Wear to educate children and young people on the dangers of misusing bonfires and fireworks and to highlight the consequences of antisocial behaviour against emergency workers.  Posters and leaflets offering safety advice were also distributed to schools, GPS, shops, community centres, libraries and other public places across Tyne and Wear.   Fire crews have been conducting a series of inspections of retail outlets to make sure fireworks are being stored safely and parents and shopkeepers are being asked to be vigilant and make sure that under 18s dont get hold of fireworks.   Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service is also working closely with Northumbria Police to tackle the consequences of anti-social behaviour around the misuse of fireworks and bonfires.   The Service's Neighbourhood Fire Teams are also working with local councils and other partners to make sure that as many illegal bonfires are removed before they are lit, preventing hundreds of fires from starting and endangering life.    It costs fire and rescue services in the region of £2,000 to put out every illegal bonfire started deliberately as well as putting many lives at risks.   Keep safe this year by following the tips below:     Attend an organised display rather than having your own bonfire   Report illegal bonfires that are being built to your local authority   Call 999 to report any illegal bonfires that have been lit   Remember: alcohol and fireworks dont mix   Always supervise children around fireworks   Never give sparklers to children under five   Keep pets indoors   Ensure you bring your wheelie bin in as soon as it is emptied - it is a target for arson if you dont!   For more information, visit www.twfire.gov.uk/bonfire.http://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?EntryId67=28809Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:08:05 GMT20091103100805Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:05:38 GMT20091103100538Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:08:05 GMT20091103100805As children and young people prepare to return to school after the half term holidays, they are being given a stark warning about the dangers of bonfires and fireworks in the run-up to Bonfire Night celebrations.   Firefighters are visiting secondary schools across Tyne and Wear to talk to pupils aged 11 to 14 about the legal and moral consequences of misusing fireworks and bonfires, including injuries, deaths and prosecutions. They will also be encouraged to attend organised displays.   Prevention and Education Group Manager Darren Boddy, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, says: "Evidence shows that young people are the most likely to be injured in incidents involving fireworks and bonfires. We want to get the message across to this vulnerable group that fireworks and bonfires are very dangerous and can have devastating consequences.   We hope they will take this valuable safety advice to heart. We want young people to enjoy fireworks and bonfires without harm to themselves or to others. We advise everyone to attend a professional organised display so that they can have a safe and enjoyable Bonfire Night experience."   Peter Howey, asssistant head teacher of Hetton School in Hetton-le-Hole, says: "We welcome the advice and information on fireworks and bonfires that Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has given to our students, and we believe it has had a positive impact."   In Gateshead and South Tyneside, firefighters are also visiting young people who have been excluded from schools to highlight the dangers of bonfires and fireworks, and warn them against getting involved in antisocial behaviour in the run-up to Bonfire Night.   If you spot any illegal bonfires being built, please report them to your local authority so they can be removed. If the bonfire has been lit, call 999.   Keep safe this year by following the tips below:   - Attend an organised display rather than having your own bonfire.- Remember: alcohol and fireworks don't mix.- Always supervise children around fireworks.- Never give sparklers to children under five.- Keep pets indoors.- Ensure you bring your wheelie bin in as soon as it is emptied - it is a target for arson if you don't!   For more information, visit www.twfire.gov.uk/bonfirehttp://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?EntryId67=28130Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:21:46 GMT20091028032146Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:20:20 GMT20091028032020Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:21:46 GMT20091028032146