All the latest news from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service http://www.twfire.gov.uk/newsfeed.xml A business in Sunderland is praising the use of sprinkler and suppression systems after a fire. The fire started in a printer press unit used to manufacturer food packaging at 12.30pm on Thursday 6 June at the Interflex Group, West Quay Road, Southwick. The factory is fitted with sprinkler systems as well as suppression systems for specific equipment. The printer press suppression system was manually activated and the fire alarm automatically notified Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service of the fire. 50 staff were safely evacuated from the building and no one was injured. The sprinkler suppression system over the printer press worked by releasing a fog mist over the unit which suppressed the fire; it reduced the fire in size and stopped it from spreading to other materials and equipment, and the rest of the factory. Trained staff used CO2 extinguishers to ensure the fire was fully suppressed before the arrival of fire crews. Two fire appliances attended the incident; one from Fulwell Community Fire Station and the other from Sunderland Central Community Fire Station. Firefighters assisted the staff in ensuring the fire was completely out. The fire caused £5,000 worth of damage to the printer press roller. However thanks to the firm's sprinkler system the fire was stopped from spreading any further and damaging the whole of the printer press, which is worth £1.5m. The business was able to return to work speedily, with staff back at work within a couple of hours of the fire. Lead Engineer at Interflex, Andrew Naylor, said: "There is no doubt that having the sprinkler suppression system has significantly reduced the impact of the fire. The printer press is close to the ceiling of the factory and there are other materials nearby which could have resulted in the fire being much more serious had it spread. There is no doubt that without the suppression system - the factory was minutes away from being completely destroyed. "I'd like to thank the firefighters for their support. They looked over the unit to check the fire was out and that the fire safety systems were working. After the checks and a clean up we were soon back up and running. "Fire safety is something you take for granted when you don't need it, but when you do it's invaluable - it's saved our press, factory, jobs and lives." Area Manager Kevin Hepple, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: "This is a really good example of the huge benefits sprinklers bring. They play a major part in fire safety; suppressing the fire, reducing its size and stopping it from spreading." "Statistics show that the majority of businesses either fail within a year of having a fire or don't re-start their business at all. Sprinklers are not only life savers but business savers." Fire Authority Chairman, Councillor Tom Wright said: "The application of modern technology sprinkler systems are now proving much more valuable and selective in the areas they cover. As a result, any potential threat of water damage to the rest of the building is minimised." For information on how businesses can stay safe from fire, and on sprinkler systems, visit www.twfire.gov.uk/community-safety/business/sprinkler-systems http://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?entryid67=68451 Fri, 14 Jun 2013 08:26:52 GMT 20130614082652 Fri, 14 Jun 2013 08:26:52 GMT 20130614082652 Fri, 14 Jun 2013 08:26:52 GMT 201306140882652 False Carers and their families in South Tyneside will be safer from fire in the future thanks to support from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service. The announcement comes as National Carers Week, which aims to highlight the importance of carers, kicks off between 10-16 June. Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has been working closely with carers across Tyne and Wear, to give them the support they need, to help them to keep those they care for, safer from fire in the future. Judith McGonnell from Bolden cares for her 59 year old husband Stephen, who has been diagnosed with the early stages of Alzheimer's. Judith said: "When Stephen was well, he looked after the smoke alarms in the house and made sure we were safe. Stephen and I used to be foster carers, so I was probably more fire safety conscious than most people, but it was still very daunting to take on this role myself as primary carer for Stephen." Staff from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service call into the the Alzheimers monthly cafe to talk to carers about how important fire safety is for those who are particularly vulnerable. Judith continued: "The firefighters were absolutely fantastic when they came along to our home to carry out a Home Safety Check. They checked that we had working smoke alarms and they were in the right place and talked to us about our fire escape plan. They made us aware of the importance of having a safe night time routine, such as closing doors and they reminded Stephen about the dangers of overloading sockets and extension cables." Group Manager Dave Jefferson, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Ensuring that the most vulnerable members of our society are protected from fire in their homes is a top priority for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service. "Carers have an excellent relationship with those they are caring for and are able to deliver fire safety advice in a way that suits the individual, using their knowledge and expertise to ensure that it will be effective. "There is lots of help available for carers to help make sure that they and the people they care for are protected including a dedicated section on our website which provides useful help and advice to carers and those being cared for about keeping safer from fire," continues Dave. "The simplest thing any carer can do to prevent fire is to make a few easy additions to their normal routine. Testing the smoke alarm weekly for the person they care for could help give them the vital extra seconds they need to escape in a fire, while simple steps such as closing doors at night and avoiding overloaded plug sockets will help reduce the risk of fire in their home. "A variety of specialist safety equipment is also available, including vibrating smoke alarms for the hard of hearing and linked alarm systems." If you are a carer, then Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has the following fire safety advice: • If you have a text phone or minicom, you can contact the emergency services on 18000. • Make sure that the person you care for knows what to do in the event of a fire. • It's a good idea to practise an escape so that you and the person you care for feel confident enough to do it day or night. Some simple everyday checks can help prevent a household fire: • A working smoke alarm can give people the extra time they need to escape a house fire. Make testing the batteries of their alarms part of your weekly routine. • Most house fires happen at night, so make sure your smoke alarm is in a position that will wake the person you care for up; e.g. in the bedroom. • If you can, close inside doors at night. This will help prevent a fire from spreading. • If you use oxygen, make sure the equipment is stored safely out of direct sunlight, well ventilated, always dry and away from heat sources. • Never have open flames, smoke or use electrical appliances such as hairdryers, whilst using oxygen. Specialist equipment is also available: • If you live with the person you care for, consider fitting an intercom which will allow you to alert someone else in the house in an emergency. • If you or the person you care for has a hearing difficulty you can get specialist smoke alarms which use a strobe light and vibrating pads. • Alternatively consider linking the alarm system to your own - this which can alert you of any danger. • A coloured sticker on the smoke alarm can help people with trouble seeing it to test it, or your local fire and rescue service might be able to provide a coloured cover. • Placing a tactile indicator along your escape route can make it easier for those with sight difficulties to find the exit. • Easy access smoke alarms are available for people who have trouble moving around, which can be tested from the wall rather than the ceiling. The Disabled Living Foundation can provide more information on these products. For more information go to www.twfire.gov.uk or www.facebook.com/firekills. http://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?entryid67=68431 Wed, 12 Jun 2013 16:53:14 GMT 20130612165314 Wed, 12 Jun 2013 16:53:14 GMT 20130612165314 Wed, 12 Jun 2013 16:53:14 GMT 201306121645314 False Carers and their families in Gateshead and Newcastle will be safer from fire in the future thanks to support from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service. The announcement comes as National Carers Week, which aims to highlight the importance of carers, kicks off between 10-16 June. Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has been working with care providers from a range of organisations across Gateshead and Newcastle, to ensure that their staff receive specialist training to signpost people to the Fire and Rescue Service for a home safety check. Over the last two years, the Service has worked with Care Call, Gateshead Council's monitoring system for smoke alarms, burglar alarms, assistance calls and door alarms. Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has trained their carers to carry out Home Safety Checks in approximately 6,500 of their properties where the resident has a Call Care system. The occupiers are usually very vulnerable with many of them dependant on carers. This includes checking that people have working smoke alarms and that they are situated in the right place; 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. In addition carers have been trained to recognise fire hazards within the home. In some cases, they have also been trained to carry out home safety checks on behalf of the fire and rescue service. Where people are identified as being more at risk of fire, for example, if they don't have a working smoke alarm, carers can make a 'fast track' referral to the Fire and Rescue Service to ensure that smoke alarms are fitted and other fire safety measures are put in place as soon as possible. Carers have also being trained to carry out night time fire safety routines for those who may be bed-bound and cannot do this for themselves. Nineteen year old Jordan Hagan lives in Gateshead and has cared for his Grandad James for over ten years. He worked closely with Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service whilst taking part in their Princes Trust programme earlier this year. During his time on the programme, he chose to do his two week placement shadowing Firefighter Darren Jones from the Fire and Rescue Service. Jordan said: "By working closely with the Fire and Rescue Service, I learned to spot the hazards in a home which could cause a fire. I shadowed Darren when he carried out his Home Safety Checks advising vulnerable residents how to stay safe from fire. I helped to check smoke alarms and promote the importance of having an emergency escape plan, should a fire break out at home. I have used this knowledge at home and I feel happier that my Nana and Grandad are now safer from fire." Group Manager Dave Jefferson, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Ensuring that the most vulnerable members of our society are protected from fire in their homes is a top priority for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service. "Working with organisations who provide care is a fantastic way of reaching as many of these people as possible through their existing links. The carers have an excellent relationship with those they are caring for and are able to deliver fire safety advice in a way that suits the individual, using their knowledge and expertise to ensure that it will be effective. "There is lots of help available for carers to help make sure that they and the people they care for are protected including a new dedicated section on our website which provides useful help and advice to carers and those being cared for about keeping safer from fire," continues Dave. "The simplest thing any carer can do to prevent fire is to make a few easy additions to their normal routine. Testing the smoke alarm weekly for the person they care for could help give them the vital extra seconds they need to escape in a fire, while simple steps such as closing doors at night and avoiding overloaded plug sockets will help reduce the risk of fire in their home. "A variety of specialist safety equipment is also available, including vibrating smoke alarms for the hard of hearing and linked alarm systems." Councillor Peter Mole, Older People's champion for Gateshead Council, says: “We know that older people are particularly vulnerable when it comes to fires in the home. Many have mobility and sensory problems and this can make it difficult for them to react as quickly as they need to an emergency. “The work of the Fire and Rescue Service in alerting older people to the dangers of fire, and ensuring that their carers are aware of potential dangers, is crucial in ensuring their safety. This is an area which the Council itself takes very seriously and it is reassuring to see that our colleagues in the Fire Service are so supportive.” If you are a carer, then Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has the following fire safety advice: • If you have a text phone or minicom, you can contact the emergency services on 18000. • Make sure that the person you care for knows what to do in the event of a fire. • It's a good idea to practise an escape so that you and the person you care for feel confident enough to do it day or night. Some simple everyday checks can help prevent a household fire: • A working smoke alarm can give people the extra time they need to escape a house fire. Make testing the batteries of their alarms part of your weekly routine. • Most house fires happen at night, so make sure your smoke alarm is in a position that will wake the person you care for up; e.g. in the bedroom. • If you can, close inside doors at night. This will help prevent a fire from spreading. • If you use oxygen, make sure the equipment is stored safely out of direct sunlight, well ventilated, always dry and away from heat sources. • Never have open flames, smoke or use electrical appliances such as hairdryers, whilst using oxygen. Specialist equipment is also available: • If you live with the person you care for, consider fitting an intercom which will allow you to alert someone else in the house in an emergency. • If you or the person you care for has a hearing difficulty you can get specialist smoke alarms which use a strobe light and vibrating pads. • Alternatively consider linking the alarm system to your own - this which can alert you of any danger. • A coloured sticker on the smoke alarm can help people with trouble seeing it to test it, or your local fire and rescue service might be able to provide a coloured cover. • Placing a tactile indicator along your escape route can make it easier for those with sight difficulties to find the exit. • Easy access smoke alarms are available for people who have trouble moving around, which can be tested from the wall rather than the ceiling. The Disabled Living Foundation can provide more information on these products. To find out more about keeping safer from fire you can call along to the Gateshead Carer's event "Party in the Park" on Friday 14 June between 11:00 am - 3:00 pm. http://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?entryid67=68430 Wed, 12 Jun 2013 16:46:40 GMT 20130612164640 Wed, 12 Jun 2013 16:46:40 GMT 20130612164640 Wed, 12 Jun 2013 16:46:40 GMT 201306121644640 False National Carers Week aims to highlight the importance of carers and runs from 10 _16 June 2013. Carers and their families in North Tyneside will be safer from fire in the future thanks to support from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service. Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has been working with a number of organisations who have staff who care for vulnerable residents to ensure that their staff receive specialist training to signpost people to the Fire and Rescue Service for a Home Safety Check. During National Carers Week Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has trained 63 Age UK carers, 26 St Anthony of Padua carers and 43 Care Call carers. The Service is working with Care Call, North Tyneside's monitoring system for smoke alarms, burglar alarms, assistance calls and door alarms. Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has trained their carers to carry out Home Safety Checks. The occupiers are usually very vulnerable with many of them dependant on carers. Shirley McSherry is a Community Support Worker promoting people's independence and she looks after her 40-year-old son Paul Holroyd. Shirley said: "My son has disabilities and has been able to live independently for three years due to the support provided by the Care Call scheme. "He has recently moved in with his fiancée Elaine Smith and they are transferring the Care Call system to their new home in North Shields. It gives us the extra peace of mind that Care Call staff work closely with Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service to provide the extra support to ensure he can stay independent and safe from fire in his own home. Carers can check that residents have working smoke alarms and that they are situated in the right place and can work with the Service to ensure that they have a fire escape plan in place should a fire break out at home. The carers are encouraged to promote the importance of a safe night time routine, such as closing doors, unplugging electrical equipment and safe disposal of cigarettes. In addition carers have been trained to recognise fire hazards within the home. In some cases, they have also been trained to carry out home safety checks on behalf of the fire and rescue service. Where people are identified as being more at risk of fire, for example, if they don't have a working smoke alarm, carers can make a 'fast track' referral to Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service to ensure that smoke alarms are fitted and other fire safety measures are put in place as soon as possible. Group Manager Dave Jefferson, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Ensuring that the most vulnerable members of our society are protected from fire in their homes is a top priority for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service. "Working with organisations who provide care is a fantastic way of reaching as many of these people as possible through their existing links. The carers have an excellent relationship with those they are caring for and are able to deliver fire safety advice in a way that suits the individual, using their knowledge and expertise to ensure that it will be effective. "There is lots of help available for carers to help make sure that they and the people they care for are protected including a new dedicated section on our website which provides useful help and advice to carers and those being cared for about keeping safer from fire," continues Dave. "The simplest thing any carer can do to prevent fire is to make a few easy additions to their normal routine. Testing the smoke alarm weekly for the person they care for could help give them the vital extra seconds they need to escape in a fire, while simple steps such as closing doors at night and avoiding overloaded plug sockets will help reduce the risk of fire in their home. "A variety of specialist safety equipment is also available, including vibrating smoke alarms for the hard of hearing and linked alarm systems." If you are a carer, then Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has the following fire safety advice: • If you have a text phone or minicom, you can contact the emergency services on 18000. • Make sure that the person you care for knows what to do in the event of a fire. • It's a good idea to practise an escape so that you and the person you care for feel confident enough to do it day or night. Some simple everyday checks can help prevent a household fire: • A working smoke alarm can give people the extra time they need to escape a house fire. Make testing the batteries of their alarms part of your weekly routine. • Most house fires happen at night, so make sure your smoke alarm is in a position that will wake the person you care for up; e.g. in the bedroom. • If you can, close inside doors at night. This will help prevent a fire from spreading. • If you use oxygen, make sure the equipment is stored safely out of direct sunlight, well ventilated, always dry and away from heat sources. • Never have open flames, smoke or use electrical appliances such as hairdryers, whilst using oxygen. Specialist equipment is also available: • If you live with the person you care for, consider fitting an intercom which will allow you to alert someone else in the house in an emergency. • If you or the person you care for has a hearing difficulty you can get specialist smoke alarms which use a strobe light and vibrating pads. • Alternatively consider linking the alarm system to your own - this which can alert you of any danger. • A coloured sticker on the smoke alarm can help people with trouble seeing it to test it, or your local fire and rescue service might be able to provide a coloured cover. • Placing a tactile indicator along your escape route can make it easier for those with sight difficulties to find the exit. • Easy access smoke alarms are available for people who have trouble moving around, which can be tested from the wall rather than the ceiling. The Disabled Living Foundation can provide more information on these products. visit www.twfire.gov.uk/community-safety/prevention/older-persons or check out www.facebook.com/firekills http://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?entryid67=68429 Wed, 12 Jun 2013 16:43:49 GMT 20130612164349 Wed, 12 Jun 2013 16:43:49 GMT 20130612164349 Wed, 12 Jun 2013 16:43:49 GMT 201306121644349 False Police are warning firestarters they are putting their own and others' lives at risk. This follows an incident at Cleadon Hills Farm, on Sunniside Lane, in which hay bails and manure were set alight. Officers are treating the incident, which happened at 1.45pm, on Sunday, May 26, as arson and investigations are continuing. They are keen to trace three teenage boys, dressed in white, who were seen to leave the area at the time of the fire. However, they are also sending out a stark message that this and other similar incidents could have more serious consequences. Jon Commons, Acting Neighbourhood Inspector for the area, said: "Acts like these may be thought of as a prank to those involved, but they could have far more serious outcomes. "There is simply no excuse fro starting a fire deliberately. It put's people's lives at risk - not only the victim's, but those who have started the fire in the first place. "And not only does it cost the victim, but a deliberate fire diverts resources away from other emergencies which they will be needed at urgently. "Neighbourhood officers will be patrolling in and around this area to put a stop to any further incidents and would ask that public continue to provide us with any information so we can act on it." Station Manager Ian Cuskin, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: "People who start deliberate fires often think it's a bit of fun, but they do not realise the devastating consequences of their behaviour. "If our firefighters are attending these type of fires, it means they cannot be elsewhere, where someone may really need life-saving help. There are additional associated risks with fires on farms as they may involve livestock. "There may also be hazards relating to the storage of fertiliser and fuel which may increase the risk of firefighter safety.” Anyone with information on the fire should contact police on 101, extension 69191 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. For further information about policing in South Tyneside follow @NPSouthTyneside or like Facebook.com/NPSouthTyneside http://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?entryid67=68334 Mon, 03 Jun 2013 09:02:23 GMT 20130603090223 Fri, 31 May 2013 15:16:23 GMT 20130531151623 Mon, 03 Jun 2013 09:02:23 GMT 201306030990223 False 50 firefighters were called to a blaze at Wincomblee Workshops, a disused building on White Street in Walker earlier today (22 May). Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service's Control Room received a call at 13:40 about the incident. Eight fire appliances and two specialist appliances from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service attended the incident. Two appliances each from Byker, Newcastle Central and Wallsend Community Fire Station attended the incident, along with one appliance each from Hebburn and West Denton. An aerial ladder platform from Gosforth Community Fire Station and the Command Support Unit from West Denton Community Fire Station also attended. The fire started on the third floor of the four storey building. It was tackled from the outside by the aerial ladder platform, two jets and a hose reel. Six firefighters wearing specialist breathing apparatus entered the building to help tackle the fire. The building was boarded up which caused some difficulty in fire crews gaining access to the fire. The fire was put out by the firefighters within an hour and a half. No one was inside the building at the time of the fire and no one was injured. Group Manager Paul Curran, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, attended the incident. He said: "The firefighters did an excellent job in difficult conditions. Their quick actions helped prevent the fire from spreading any further and I would like to praise them for their actions." The cause of the fire is not yet known but is suspected of having been started maliciously. An investigation will now take place by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and Northumbria Police. http://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?entryid67=68272 Thu, 23 May 2013 08:42:51 GMT 20130523084251 Wed, 22 May 2013 16:40:07 GMT 20130522164007 Thu, 23 May 2013 08:42:51 GMT 201305230884251 False Residents who live in a high-rise block in Gateshead town centre will be safer from fire, thanks to some newly installed ground breaking fire safety work. Regent Court, a ten-storey block with 160 flats, is being fitted with an innovative sprinkler system. Each flat and all communal areas will be protected to make sure all of the residents will have ultimate life-saving protection. This refurbishment is part of a multi-million pound investment scheme by The Gateshead Housing Company and Gateshead Council to upgrade fire safety measures in over 20 residential high rise accommodation blocks across the borough. Resident Pat Finlay is thrilled to be one of the first to benefit from the system. Pat said: "The work only took a few days to complete. "I've now got smoke alarms to give me the early warning of fire and sprinklers in every room which will contain a fire, if one occurs, until the Fire and Rescue Service arrives. "Staff from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service have carried out a home safety check to highlight any potential hazards which may cause a fire in my flat and they have given me simple actions to follow should a fire occur, which is, get out, stay out, shut the doors and call 999. I feel so much safer." Councillor Peter Mole, who represents Gateshead on the Tyne and Wear Fire Authority said: "I believe that this is the first installation of sprinklers in an existing high rise building with mixed residential use in the UK, so I am pleased that Gateshead is leading the way with this fantastic programme. "This important investment by Gateshead Council and The Gateshead Housing Company will ensure that our residents, especially the most vulnerable, will benefit from the best possible protection from fire." Assistant Chief Fire Officer, John Baines, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: “Whilst smoke alarm activation can give people the early warning of fire, clear evidence suggests that the installation of sprinklers is the single most effective measure in protecting occupants from fire. "A fire death in a building with sprinklers fitted is extremely rare, where the sprinkler is appropriately designed, fully operational and maintained. “This is why Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service is fully committed to campaigning for the installation of sprinklers in new build or existing homes, together with non-domestic premises. John continues: "The sprinkler installation at Regent Court is just one element of a host of fire safety measures being upgraded, such as improved fire safety doors and emergency lighting, which will ensure the residents, especially our most vulnerable, stay much safer from fire in the future." Neil Bouch, Director of Customers and Communities at The Gateshead Housing Company, said: "The Company sees the fire safety work as vitally important. The safety and security of our tenants and leaseholders is our top priority and we are delighted to have worked with Gateshead Council and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service on such an innovative scheme. Neil continues: "The fitting of a sprinkler system to an existing high rise building with mixed residential use has never been done before in the UK and we are delighted to have led the way in ensuring our high-rise residents stay even safer in their homes.” For more information on the benefits of sprinklers go to: http://www.twfire.gov.uk/community-safety/business/sprinkler-systems/ http://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?entryid67=68238 Wed, 22 May 2013 15:33:21 GMT 20130522153321 Mon, 20 May 2013 13:53:00 GMT 20130520135300 Wed, 22 May 2013 15:33:21 GMT 201305221533321 False Plans to relocate Fulwell Fire Station to the Marley Pots area of Sunderland are a step nearer after Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service was granted conditional planning permission. The proposed site for the new community fire station is in an area being redeveloped between Old Mill Road and Marley Crescent, on a plot of land which is currently empty. The fire station will be situated in the heart of the community enabling fire crews to attend more fires more quickly. It will also provide community safety facilities including advice and practical help on how people in the area can stay safe from fire. Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Joy Brindle, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: "This is really good news for the local community and the Service. The new community fire station will be in the heart of the community and provide excellent new facilities which will be available for the local community to use as well as a first class facility for our firefighters to train and work in." Fire Authority Chairman, Councillor Tom Wright said: “This new, modern station is great news for Sunderland. The location of this new community fire station will mean that our firefighters will be able to get to fires more quickly. We are looking forward to inviting our residents in to take a look and use our community facilities.” "Now that conditional planning permission has been provided we will be starting the process of appointing contractors to design and build the station. We hope that building work will start on site in Spring 2014 and that it will be fully operational in Summer 2015. We will also be organising information sessions to keep local people up to date on our plans." Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service revealed its intention to relocate its community fire station in Fulwell in Sunderland four years ago. This was followed by extensive consultation with the local community on its plans. http://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?entryid67=67326 Tue, 21 May 2013 08:52:03 GMT 20130521085203 Thu, 28 Feb 2013 15:47:36 GMT 20130228154736 Tue, 21 May 2013 08:52:03 GMT 201305210885203 False Years of effective prevention work by the fire and rescue service and its partners have paid off. Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue have reported that for the first year* ever no one has lost their life in an accidental house fire. Chief Fire Officer, Tom Capeling, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: “This is fantastic news and is in no doubt due to our effective Home Safety Check Strategy and the phenomenal dedication of our staff across the Service in planning and undertaking home safety checks. It is also down to our continuous education campaign which has led to an increase in smoke alarm ownership, our proactive partnership working, the commitment of people in Tyne and Wear, and a degree of good fortune. Home safety checks involve providing fire safety advice, advising on the best escape plan if a fire does break out, fitting free smoke alarms and providing practical suggestions on how to ensure fire safety is part of your daily routine. Tom continued: "Our dedicated staff have been working hard in the heart of our diverse and vulnerable communities giving free fire safety advice. Our intelligence led information has helped us to target residents who are most at risk from fire and we have been using our resources to fit smoke alarms and carry out as many home safety checks as possible to keep our most vulnerable residents safe from fire. “We could not have achieved this without the support and involvement of our partners including Local Authorities, Housing Associations, the NHS, the Police, the voluntary sector and the local community. By working proactively together, we are closer to achieving our ultimate aim of creating the safest community. “These figures highlight the life saving benefits of having working smoke alarms. We recommend that residents should have working smoke alarms on every level of their home, they check them weekly and have an escape plan so everyone living in the house knows what to do in the event of a fire. There is no doubt that they really can mean the difference between life and death giving you the vital minutes to escape. Nearly a quarter of a million homes in Tyne and Wear are safer as a result of having home safety checks carried out over the last eight years. Chairman of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority, Cllr Tom Wright, said: "I would personally like to thank staff for their hard work over the years, as well as all our partners across Tyne and Wear for supporting the Service in this achievement. We are now one of the safest communities from fire in the UK. However, we are not complacent, especially with the current financial climate, and we will continue to work with our partners and local people to consistently lower fires, fire injuries and prevent fire deaths in Tyne and Wear in the future.” Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service also believe it is the only metropolitan Fire and Rescue Service in the UK to have had no accidental fire deaths over the last year. Most fires happen in metropolitan areas. For more information on how to stay safe from fires please visit www.twfire.gov.uk or www.facebook.com/twfire or www.twitter/com/tyne_wear_frs http://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?entryid67=68145 Wed, 15 May 2013 14:21:41 GMT 20130515142141 Wed, 15 May 2013 11:56:11 GMT 20130515115611 Wed, 15 May 2013 14:21:41 GMT 201305151422141 False The community of North Shields is being invited to support North Tyneside Council's sixth Big Spring Clean. As part of the annual spring clean initiative, aiming to make the borough a cleaner and greener place to live, Operation Hotspot gets underway this Tuesday (May 14) in the Moor Park area of North Shields. And as they previously done so during this year's campaign in Longbenton and Wallsend, the council's community wardens will be joined by Northumbria Police and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.Taking place over four days, together they will be aiming to reduce litter, fly-tipping, anti-social behaviour and prevent fires. Cllr John Harrison, cabinet member for the Environment and Housing, said: “This initiative is all about individuals and organisations coming together to improve our communities.“I am delighted we are working closely with Northumbria Police and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service to enhance the Moor Park area. “I would also like to encourage the local community to come along and show their support to the campaign; North Tyneside is a great place to live, work and visit and together we can make it even better.”Schools, residents and businesses are also being invited to lend a hand with litter picks and clean-up events. With the help of the council's environment wardens and mascot 'Waldo the Wonderdog', a community litter pick will take place on Tuesday, May 14, meeting at Phoenix Close at 11am.Neighbourhood Inspector Geoff Cross said: “This is an excellent example of how working together with our partners we are able to tackle issues concerning the community in North Shields. “Our team works together with our partners to help keep the area a safe and pleasant place to live, work and visit. “By getting out into the community we are able to establish what issues are concerning the community and what we can do together with our partners to tackle these matters. “We are always keen to hear any feedback from the community and anyone with any concerns can contact their local neighbourhood policing team on 101.” District Manager Dave Escott, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service added: “We will be talking to residents, offering free fire safety advice, carrying out Home Safety Checks and fitting smoke alarms to ensure our North Tyneside residents stay safe from fire in their own homes.” The Big Spring Clean runs until May 31. To register a clean-up event or to find out if one has been registered in your area, visit the Big Clean section of the council's website at www.northtyneside.gov.uk or call 0345 2000 103. http://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?entryid67=68123 Mon, 13 May 2013 09:17:03 GMT 20130513091703 Mon, 13 May 2013 09:17:03 GMT 20130513091703 Mon, 13 May 2013 09:17:03 GMT 201305130991703 False