Tag: Crewe Toll Fire Station

999 Anniversary: Strachan House says thanks to local emergency services

Residents from Strachan House care home in Blackhall hit the road and made some surprise visits to its local emergency service responders this week, armed with goodie boxes and letters of appreciation for everything they do.

It comes as the 999 emergency number reached its 86th birthday on the 30th June. 

The care home staff and residents took to the roads and visited police, fire and ambulance in the Blackhall area to show their appreciation for everything our heroes do in our hour of need when the well-known number is dialled.

Drylaw police officers, Telford Road fire station and paramedics at the Western General were all very surprised when they received our hampers of thanks!

Mandy Burgen, Head of Wellbeing and Lifestyle for Strachan House, said: “Behind every emergency number dialled it’s important to know there is a team of people who respond without hesitation. It has been an honour for staff and residents to deliver these boxes of goodies to say thank you.

“Our local emergency services do so much, so to surprise them with a little gift of kindness was amazing. Our residents loved being able to say thank you, as well as meet and chat with local police, fire personnel and paramedics”

Louise Abraham, a resident at the home, said: “It was lovely to be able to meet so many of our emergency services and show our appreciation for all their hard work they do.” 

Strachan House has built up excellent reputations within its local community, regularly holding community events and activities for residents and surrounding neighbours.  

Gordon Philp, General Manager at Strachan House said: “We are always keen to show as much support as we can to our local services and 999 day was the perfect day to demonstrate how much appreciate all their hard work and dedication”. 

Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for 83 residents from respite care to long term stays.

Firefighting operations elevated by two new high reach appliances

Community Safety Minister visits Crewe Toll Fire Station

Two new state-of-the-art height appliances for firefighters in Edinburgh have been added to the city’s fleet of emergency vehicles.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has invested £600,000 in each specialist vehicle to protect communities in the capital and surrounding areas.

They’ll be based at Tollcross and Crewe Toll Community Fire Stations and will complement the existing aerial ladder platform already at McDonald Road.

The Magirus Turntable Ladders will enable crews to fight fires and perform rescue operations at height, as well as dealing with other types of emergencies.

Stewart Nicholson, Deputy Assistant Chief Officer for the SFRS East Service Delivery Area, said: “These appliances are a very welcome addition to our existing fleet as we work to protect the City of Edinburgh.

“Their special features include an articulated boom, which allows for a far greater degree of flexibility to position the ladder. It means our firefighters can safely carry out emergency operations at heights of up to 32 metres and in positions that previously wouldn’t have been possible.

“This considerable investment is another example of the Service’s commitment to enhance the capabilities of our crews.”

One of the vehicles was part of a demonstration at Crewe Toll Community Fire Station earlier this month involving trainee firefighters during Modern Apprentice Week.

In attendance was the Minister for Community Safety, Ash Regan, who got the opportunity to see the new height appliance in operation.

Community Safety Minister Ash Regan said: “It was a pleasure to visit the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service at their Crewe Toll Fire Station in Edinburgh and see one of these state-of-the-art new height appliances in operation.

“These appliances will help keep our communities across Edinburgh and the East of Scotland safer by enabling rescues at substantial heights that were not previously possible.

“The Scottish Government is happy to be able to support continued investment in our critical national fire service in this way.”

Firefighters inspire next generation of potential life-savers

Crewe Toll firefighters are helping shape the futures of young pupils by training them as potential life-savers.

As part of an ongoing commitment to help protect and inspire communities, the Community Action Team has teamed up with a range of partners to launch  an initiative designed to enhance lives and improve employment prospects. Continue reading Firefighters inspire next generation of potential life-savers

Anguish as fire crews prepare for busiest night of the year

AN experienced firefighter has told how he feared for his crew’s safety after being confronted by a baying mob in a “warzone” last Bonfire Night. Continue reading Anguish as fire crews prepare for busiest night of the year

Woman critical following Granton fire

fire

A woman is in a critical condition following a living room fire in a Granton Mains flat yesterday.

Emergency services were called to Granton Mains East at about 5:45am.

Crews from Crewe Toll and McDonald Road wearing breathing apparatus rescued the woman from the blazing property. She received emergency first aid at the scene until ambulance crews arrived and took her to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are investigating the cause of the fire.

Local firefighters had earlier tackled a chip pan fire in a top floor flat in Great Michael Rise, Newhaven. The incident happened at around 1am. One man was in the flat at the time but he did not require medical treatment.

Michelle joins Crewe Toll firefighters for Big Lunch launch

big lunch

Music and TV personality Michelle McManus visited Crewe Toll fire station yesterday to hear about how The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) are supporting The Big Lunch in Scotland in 2014.

Michelle, who backed The Big Lunch in Scotland last year, met with SFRS Group Manager and Station Commander for Crewe Toll, Steve Harkins and heard how station staff across Scotland are keen to lend a hand at Big Lunches happening locally and take the chance get to know neighbouring communities better.

The Big Lunch – the UK’s annual get-together for neighbours – is funded by The Big Lottery Fund and partnered by Halifax, ASDA and StreetClub by B&Q. Now in its sixth year, the simple idea from the Eden Project aims to provide neighbours with an opportunity to get to know one another better. The Big Lunch happens on the first Sunday in June each year – this year Sunday 1 June.

SFRS Assistant Chief Fire Officer Lewis Ramsay, the Director of Prevention and Protection in Scotland, said: “The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is delighted to team up with The Big Lunch Scotland, and as part of our support for local communities, we would encourage community fire stations throughout Scotland to actively participate in local neighbourhood Big Lunch events and activities. Community groups and neighbours planning events should not hesitate to seek support and assistance from their local fire crews.”

In 2013 over 3.65 million people took part in Big Lunches across the UK, including thousands from Scotland, like Michelle, who held street parties, picnics in the park and community hall gatherings.

Local Group Manager Steve Harkins, said: “The Big Lunch is an extremely worthwhile initiative which encourages neighbours to build upon community ties. We’re very pleased to have teamed up this year as it’s a fantastic opportunity for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to engage with members of the public in a positive, meaningful way.”

Communities further afield in the Lothians and across Scotland are being encouraged to host their own Big Lunch events with their neighbours to help build community bonds and enjoy a simple day of food, friendship and fun.

lunch2

Michelle said her own community is particularly friendly. She said: “I’m lucky to have so many good friends on my doorstep and I have the best neighbour anyone could wish for – he’s one of the reasons that I haven’t moved!

“We pop in to see each other for a cuppa and a catch up every few weeks or so, he’s a fantastic friend and we help each other out. That feeling of community is invaluable to me, it means you’re never lonely and you always feel safe.”

Anyone interested in taking part this year can get started by requesting a free Big Lunch pack from www.thebiglunch.com to get events off the ground. Packs contain invitations and posters to adapt for your community, as well as seeds, a bunting template and an inspiration booklet with lots of ideas and information.

All pack materials are undated so communities can have Big Lunches when best suits them if they can’t join in on Sunday 1 June.

For more information, email Emma at The Big Lunch in Scotland on emma.smith@thebiglunch.com

or telephone 0141 559 5066.

Winter fire safety warning

A ‘hot spot’ map showing where house fires took place across Scotland over the last year was  unveiled at the launch of the annual fire safety campaign at Crewe Toll Fire Station yesterday.

The ‘Scotland’s Hottest Postcodes’ map reveals that while the highest concentration of house fires in 2011-12 were centred around built-up areas such as Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee, house fires affect homes throughout Scotland.

Speaking at the launch of the Scottish Government and the Fire and Rescue Services’ campaign at Crewe Toll, Community Safety and Legal Affairs Minister Roseanna Cunningham (pictured below) urged householders not to be complacent with the approaching festive season bringing a range of extra hazards into the home.

Ms Cunningham said: “While the number of house fires in Scotland is at its lowest in a decade, this map shows no region of Scotland is untouched by the dangers of fire, and underlines the importance of keeping your family safe from the risks.

“As we approach December, we want everybody to enjoy the festivities this and every year in a way which is safe from the dangers of fire.

“The Scottish Government, the Fire and Rescue Services and our partners continue to work hard educating people about the dangers of fire, and the most important message we can give is never be complacent and always be on your guard, particularly when smoking or drinking alcohol.

“We know that smoking and drinking are causes for a considerable number of fires in Scotland. Smoking materials and matches was the primary cause for more than one in twelve accidental house fires last year, while we also know that alcohol and/or drugs was suspected to be a factor in at least one in six accidental house fires.

“Smoking, alcohol consumption, cooking accidents, misuse of electrical appliances or the overloading of electrical sockets are all potential risks. I fully support our fire and rescue services across Scotland to continue doing their excellent work to help people better understand these risks.”

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Deputy Chief Officer Alex Clark said: “Firefighters know all too well that fire can strike at anytime and anywhere. We respond to these incidents every day in Scotland and we see the devastating consequences of accidental house fires and the impact it has on families and our communities. We are committed to doing everything we can to reduce the chances of you having a fire in your home.

“There are very simple steps you can take to protect yourself. Through a free home safety visit carried out by local firefighters you can have smoke detectors fitted and get valuable first-hand advice from the experts on how to reduce your risk of a fire and what to do if the worst happens.

“Historically as we go into the winter months we see a rise in the number of accidental dwelling fires. This can be for a number of reasons from people spending more time in their homes to an increased reliance on electrical products like heaters, tumble dyers and electric blankets and the use of log and coal-burning fires. If you smoke or drink at home this also raises your risk of a fire and we would remind you to be extra vigilant. If you’ve been drinking, avoid cooking. It’s a common cause of accidental house fires and your ability to respond in an emergency will be impaired by alcohol.

“I would urge people to take the time to think about their fire safety in the home and take up the opportunity of a free home safety visit from the fire and rescue service. It could save your life one day.”

To minimise the risk, every home should have working smoke alarms which are tested weekly to provide early warning of the onset of fire.

Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSV) are a key prevention tool. They take around 20 minutes and are free. They are delivered by Fire and Rescue Service personnel who help assess fire risks in their home, offer fire safety advice and where appropriate, install a free smoke alarm(s).

Text FIRE to 61611 or visit www.dontgivefireahome.org to request a free Home Fire Safety Visit and get fire safety advice.

Drylaw’s Family Fun Day

Great fun between the showers at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre yesterday, where firefighters from Crewe Toll station and Drylaw Police joined the local community at the Family Fun event.  The pony rides, face painting and bouncy castle were as popular as ever, but it seems the kids just can’t get enough of those sumo suits!

Drylaw's Family Fun Day

Great fun between the showers at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre yesterday, where firefighters from Crewe Toll station and Drylaw Police joined the local community at the Family Fun event.  The pony rides, face painting and bouncy castle were as popular as ever, but it seems the kids just can’t get enough of those sumo suits!

Hello, goodbye!

Crewe Toll’s cycling fire-fighters called in on a flying visit to Oaklands School this afternoon. The guys from White Watch are on the homeward leg of their Land’s End to John o’ Groats charity cycle challenge, and they stopped off at the Ferry Road school to present a cheque for £8000.

The cyclists were welcomed by Oaklands staff and pupils and colleagues from Crewe Toll also dropped in to Oaklands to cheer their mates on.

Oaklands Head Teacher Maureen Mathieson said: “This makes a huge difference and we are so grateful to the Crewe Toll team for making this tremendous effort for us. We’d also like to thank everyone who sponsored the fire-fighters. The money raised enables us to buy specially built cycles for the Oaklands children to enjoy. It’s terrific!”

The team are well on schedule to complete North Quest, their thousand mile challenge – averaging a hundred miles a day – and there was just time to present the cheque, enjoy a cuppa and get back in the saddle for the next stage.

Despite the aches, pains, chafing and sprains the Crewe Toll lads expect to complete their epic ride in three days time, and have set their sights on making another target – enjoying a pint in Inverness before closing time on Saturday!  Well done, lads – you deserve it!