Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are currently in attendance at a large #fire on George IV Bridge. More than 60 firefighters are working to extinguish the fire in the city centre.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was alerted at 6.18am this morning (Tuesday, 24 August) to reports of a building on fire at George IV Bridge.
Operations Control mobilised nine appliances and two height vehicles to the area where the fire was found to be affecting a number of properties. A further three appliances were mobilised.
Crews remain on the scene and are expected to do so for some time as they work to make the area safe.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Deputy Assistant Chief Officer David Farries is the Incident Commander. He said: “This is undoubtedly a complex and challenging incident.
“I would like to thank our crews as they work to extinguish the fire. I would also like to thank our emergency services colleagues and local authority partners.
“We will remain in attendance for a considerable time yet as we work to contain the fire.”
DACO Farries continued: “We continue to ask people living nearby to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke.
“Road closures remain in place and we advise people to avoid the area and to allow access for emergency service vehicles.”
Nearby residents advised to keep windows & doors closed and road closures remain in place.
‘It is essential that lifeline services and critical national infrastructure are maintained‘ – FM NICOLA STURGEON
Changes are being made to self-isolation rules for close contacts of COVID cases to allow essential staff in critical roles to return to work to maintain lifeline services and critical national infrastructure.
It will be possible to apply to exempt those who work in critical roles where staff shortages are in danger of putting essential services, such as health and social care, transport and the provision of food supplies at risk.
Exemption will only be granted in respect of members of staff who voluntarily agree not to self isolate, and the employers’ duty of care to all their employees must be respected.
Strict conditions will apply – staff must be double-vaccinated and in receipt of their second dose at least two weeks previously. They will also require to have a negative PCR test and to agree to undertake daily lateral flow tests.
Applications may be made via the Scottish Government website.
Exemptions will be made on a temporary basis and last only for as long as there is an immediate risk to business or service continuity.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “It is essential that lifeline services and critical national infrastructure are maintained and we are implementing these changes now – ahead of possible changes to self-isolation rules for close contacts that may apply more generally in future – to ensure staff shortages do not put key services at risk.
“We have seen significant staff shortages in a small number of organisations in recent days and we have worked with them to protect services. Applications for exemptions are being considered from today and we will consider applications as they come in.
“Clinical evidence tells us we can safely and effectively release some critical staff from self-isolation, with appropriate safeguards. However, this is a very limited change at this stage, to be applied on a case by case basis and only where absolutely necessary.
“We will not allow key services to be threatened by staff shortages but equally we must continue to protect public health.”
GMB Scotland: THINK AGAIN!
Responding to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s announcement , GMB Scotland Secretary Louise Gilmour said: “The decision taken by the Scottish Government to introduce exemptions for critical workers from self-isolation guidance has been driven by resource, not by what’s safe for the workers or their families.
“It’s not frontline workers following COVID precautions that threatens to put key services at risk, but the cuts, underfunding and understaffing of these services that means we don’t have the capacity we need to respond in times of crisis.
“Whether it’s in the NHS, our social care sector or in our supermarkets, the story is the same: it’s low paid, exhausted and predominantly women workers who have to make sacrifices as a result of the failure of those at the top to plan and invest.
“GMB is urging the Scottish Government to rethink their decision to gamble with the lives of our key workers, before it’s too late.”
GMB Scotland is pressing for proper employment status for more than 2,800 HM Coastguard rescue workers based at 310 rescue stations around the UK. About 900 of these workers are based in 116 rescue stations around the coast of mainland Scotland and the Islands.
The duties of HM Coastguard rescue workers include help rescue people trapped on the coast, for example on cliffs, stuck in mud or in the water, search for missing people, report and deal with pollution and other hazards and help emergency services and local authorities during emergencies, for example flooding.
These HM Coastguard rescue workers can be called out at any time of the day or night so they work irregular hours. They may have to work in hazardous situations for long hours and may have to carry out physically demanding tasks.
HM Coastguard rescue worker can have other employment. Required skills include: first aid, water rescue, map work, search techniques, communications and skills needed in for local area, for example rope rescue, mud rescue etc.
GMB Scotland is demanding that their status as workers is properly recognised and the work they do is properly valued and recognised.
Like for other recent high profile workers in irregular employment across the UK the union is prepared to litigate to obtain justice for these brave men and women.
Numbers of HM Coastguard rescue workers on irregular hours by Areas across the UK
Area 1 Scotland & Orkney Islands
137
Area 2 North Scotland
126
Area 3 East Scotland
97
Area 4 Inner Clyde to River Tay and East Scottish Border
134
Area 5 North East England
122
Area 6 East of England (Yorkshire, Humberside & Lincolnshire)
134
Area 7 East Anglia
155
Area 8 South East England
152
Area 9 : Southern England including Isle of Wight
202
Area 10 : South West England
175
Area 11 : Cornwall including Isles of Scilly
162
Area 12 : North Devon including Severn Estuary
176
Area 13 : South East Wales to Mid-Wales
203
Area 14 : North West Wales
162
Area 15 : Great Orme to West Scottish Border including the Lakes
152
Area 16 : Solway to Firth of Clyde including Northern Ireland
190
Area 17 : Kintyre to Mull, Isle of Arran and Inner Hebrides
159
Area 18 : Loch Linnhe to Outer Hebrides including Skye & the Small Isles
160
Gary Smith, GMB Scotland Secretary, said:“These 2,800 brave men and women who work in all weathers to rescue people and save lives are denied even the most basic rights of respect and recognition by their employer HM Coastguard.
“Staff with over 30 years experience are being axed without the basic right of being represented by their Union. The HM Coastguard rescue workers risk their lives to help and save others but are treated worse than any other Government worker. Urgent action needs to be taken to show respect for these unsung heroes.
“The union is prepared to litigate for these workers, so they can be properly recognised as part of the HM Coastguard rescue workforce and to ensure their basic employment rights are respected.”
AMBULANCE service staff based in Linlithgow have relocated to Bo’ness Fire Station in a move which will benefit patients in the area.
A total of 11 Accident and Emergency staff, along with two A and E vehicles, will be housed at the fire station on Linlithgow Road from 30th November onwards.
Linlithgow Ambulance Station staff have been based at St Michael’s Hospital since 1991, and the move has been earmarked for two years, receiving funding in 2019.
The new base at Bo’ness provides modern and improved facilities for the staff, who responded to more than 6,400 emergencies in the past year.
Clair Wright, Area Service Manager West Lothian, said: “We are delighted to have moved to this new base alongside our emergency services colleagues at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and look forward to working with them and building on existing relationships.
“There is now an aspect of multi-agency working and training that can take place between both services, improving patient care. This move ensures that we continue to provide the very best care to patients in these communities, as well as being a great new base for our staff.”
David Sharp, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Local Senior Officer for Falkirk and West Lothian, is pleased to welcome Scottish Ambulance Service to the site. He said: “Sharing Bo’ness Fire Station facilities will enhance our ongoing partnership and enable us to plan, prepare and respond to emergencies in local communities.
“This is a positive step, which has been replicated in other parts of Scotland, and improves awareness of each other’s capabilities as we work jointly to protect the public by providing the highest quality of response to those that require our assistance.”
SFRS and SAS closely collaborated to ensure that the appropriate steps were taken prior to the move regarding COVID government guidelines, social distancing and infection control procedures.
Investigations are under way following a number of serious incidents across Scotland on Bonfire Night.
Police officers and firefighters were attacked with fireworks and other objects being thrown at them. On other occasions, groups caused damage to cars and properties.
In Edinburgh police received reports of anti-social behaviour in Pennywell Place. Officers attended and a 16-year-old male youth was arrested and is subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal.
In Hay Avenue, officers had to deal with a large group of youths throwing fireworks and bricks at them. A police vehicle was also damaged in this incident. Officers also attended Arthur’s Seat where groups of youths had gathered with fireworks and a bonfire was alight.
In Glasgow, officers came under attack in Dale Street with youths throwing fireworks at them. In Glenisla Street, a police officer was struck on the head with a firework. He was treated at the scene and continued his shift.
In Kendoon Avenue, police received a report of a vehicle on fire. Officers attended and the police car’s windscreen was smashed, resulting in an officer washing glass from his eye. He continued on duty and one man was arrested.
In Auchmead Road, Greenock, an unauthorised bonfire event resulted in firefighters and officers being attacked as youths threw fireworks and bottles. Public order officers were deployed to deal with the incident. A 15-year old male youth was arrested and charged. He is subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal.
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs said: “As the Chief Constable has said, it is disgraceful and deplorable when officers and staff are subjected to violence during the course of their duties.
“Across the country, the overwhelming majority of the public enjoyed Bonfire Night safely and responsibly and I want to thank them for heeding our advice. However, I am disappointed at the level of disorder and anti-social behaviour seen last night. A minority of people’s behaviour has once again put lives at risk. It also places intense pressure on the emergency services and impacts severely on local communities.
“The evening of Thursday, 5 November, 2020, saw a number of serious incidents arising throughout Scotland that required Operation Moonbeam resources to support local policing colleagues.
“The majority of these incidents involved young people. To be absolutely clear, such actions are dangerous and cause harm to the public and emergency service workers.
“We will not tolerate such acts and you may not have been arrested last night but rest assured, officers are carrying out follow-up investigations to identify those involved and responsible. Additional officers will continue to be deployed over the coming days to support local divisions.”
Dispersal Zones remain in place until midnight tonight.
Firefighters across Scotland dealt with more than 500 bonfires on busiest night of the year
Initial figures indicate that Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) crews responded to approximately 511 bonfires across the country between 3.30pm and 11.30pm on Thursday, November 5.
Meanwhile Operations Control handled more than 1100 calls from members of the public.
There were also 12 reported attacks on crews, however no injuries have been reported.
With public events cancelled amid continuing Covid-19 restrictions, the SFRS had appealed to the public to be aware of the dangers of both fireworks and deliberate fire-setting and to also consider the impact of their actions on communities and emergency services.
Assistant Chief Officer Stuart Stevens is the SFRS Director of Service Delivery. He said: “Bonfire Night is traditionally one of our busiest night of the year. Our frontline crews and Operations Control personnel and support staff have shown extreme dedication over this period and I would like to pay tribute to their professionalism and resilience.
“I must also thank our partners and indeed communities across Scotland for their continuing support.”
Libby Logan is the SFRS Area Commander for Operations Control. She said: “This was a busy and challenging evening, but I would like to praise our Operations Control staff who have once again worked tirelessly to ensure we respond to those who need us the most.
“Their dedication has allowed us to meet this challenge and continue to protect communities throughout Bonfire Night.”
Condemning attacks on emergency service workers, Assistant Chief Officer Stevens added: “Attacks on emergency service workers are completely unacceptable.
“This type of behaviour not only prevents our crews from bringing any emergency to a safe and swift conclusion, but it can impact on our emergency service colleagues including the police when they must escort us at the scene.
“This type of behaviour is, of course, carried out by a very small minority and we once again thank our communities for their continuing support and working together with us to stay safe.”
Police Scotland is supporting local communities across the country with a range of specialist resources to keep people safe around Bonfire Night.
Operation Moonbeam was launched in 2018 in reponse to high levels of public disorder and violence witnessed during the same period a year earlier.
This resulted in lower levels of disorder in 2018 and 2019 and similar resources will be in place this year to reassure communities and tackle criminal activity.
A number of specially-trained officers will be deployable within the North, West and East of Scotland to support local officers during this busy period.
With organised bonfire events cancelled across Scotland in light of the coronavirus pandemic, anyone planning their own garden bonfire is urged to be considerate towards neighbours and pets when setting off fireworks.
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam, said: “Typically, the Bonfire Night weekend, and surrounding days, are extremely busy for police and other emergency services.
“While the cancellation of public bonfire displays and the coronovirus restrictions in place is likely to result in a slight reduction in the number of people out and about, we cannot be complacent in terms of preserving public safety.
“Divisional Commanders will be given significant levels of specialist resource, including public order trained officers, to supplement their local policing teams and help them address any issues that arise.
“The police alone cannot tackle anti-social behaviour and bonfire-related disorder. We are once again taking a tri-service approach with the other emergency services, aimed at not only responding successfully to reports of criminality, but preventing them in the first instance.
“We have been engaging with young people extensively through our school inputs to highlight the risks associated with reckless behaviour involving fireworks and of course, alcohol.
“Parents and guardians of young people also have a vital role to play and I would ask you all have very frank conversations with those in your care about the risks of getting involved in violence and disorder.
“Let me be clear, any behaviour that puts our communities at risk, or endangers the safety of our officers and other emergency service personnel, will not be tolerated.
“The Chief Constable has made it clear that we are asking people to take personal responsibility to do the right thing to aid the collective effort of staying safe, protecting others and saving lives by preventing the virus from spreading.
“While the vast majority of communities across Scotland are co-operating with the existing restrictions, a small number are still intent on hosting or participating in parties and gatherings with other households.
“These are not confined to certain age groups and people should not be in any doubt that house gatherings allow the virus to spread. Where we encounter wilful, repeated, persistent or flagrant breaches we will, as the public would expect and support, act decisively to enforce the law.”
Deputy Assistant Chief Officer (DACO) Alasdair Perry is the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Head of Prevention and Protection. He said: “First and foremost we would urge all of our communities to follow advice and guidelines around social distancing to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
“With many public events cancelled due to COVID-19, we know people may consider hosting their own firework events.
“But we want to highlight that the private use of fireworks can be dangerous- and that children are particularly at risk.
“We are therefore strongly encouraging anyone who does wish to host a private event to reduce the risk by ensuring to familiarise themselves with our fireworks code and fire safety guidance. Do not take risks because the consequences can be devastating.
“This is already a traditionally busy period of the year for ourselves and our partners and it is very important that we maintain an ability to respond to other emergencies.
“We know it’s a very small minority of people who engage in anti-social behaviour, but there’s no question it can impact on our firefighters and Operations Control colleagues as well as our partners.
“A deliberate fire can also put property, resources and indeed lives at risk so it goes without saying that we will always take a zero-tolerance approach to fire-setting and attacks on our crews.”
“For more information visit our fireworks safety page: https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/fireworks-safety.aspx”
Community Safety Minister Ash Denham added: “Halloween and Bonfire Night this year are going to feel very different and at this usual time for celebration I urge everyone to follow the rules on meeting up with other households to help stop the spread of the virus.
“We know that some people may consider setting off fireworks in their back-gardens, if you do plan on using fireworks this Bonfire Night please do so responsibly and safely. We are asking families to avoid guising this year but our newly published Parent Club guidance has lots of fun and creative ideas for families to enjoy a safe celebration at home.
“Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and all emergency service workers have my complete support, particularly over the busy bonfire season.”
Lauder Fire Station has celebrated its 20th Anniversary and firefighters have been reflecting on what it means to serve their community.
When the Borders station opened in 2000, there were 45 applicants to become firefighters, and 15 were successful. Still serving from that very first crew are Watch Commander (WC) John Connell and Crew Commander (CC) Dougie Scott.
Both are retained firefighters and balance being on call for their local community with holding down full-time jobs.
CC Scott is a postal worker. He was a leading firefighter at the crew’s first call out, which was to a horse transporter alight.
CC Scott said: “The first incident was the day after the station officially opened, and I drove to this call, as I was a selected driver. My heart was racing. We were supervised by a full-time Sub Officer, everything went to plan and our training kicked in.
“It was the start of 20 years enjoyable service with great highs and the inevitable lows.
“The camaraderie and team work of my colleagues help to lift you when times are hard, and I always remember that no matter what, I am helping our community at their time of need.”
When the Station opened, full-time farmer, WC Connell was Lauder Fire Station’s Sub Officer.
WC Connell said: “I was honoured to join the crew at Lauder and to lead them as Sub Officer. I had no idea what I was letting myself in for, and it’s been a rollercoaster.
“We have served our Community on over 2,000 occasions, but it’s only a small part of the picture. We are available for them 24/7, working around our families and main jobs as well.
“There’s great satisfaction in talking to a member of the community about joining and their journey to become part of the crew, which is like a family.
“I continue to be honoured and proud to be part of the Lauder crew, to serve our community, and I intend to do so for many years to come.”
Lauder Fire Station was officially opened on September 1, 2000 by HRH The Princess Royal.
Retained firefighter Christine Jaffray was part of the first crew. She’s since left the Service and she’s also the aunt of current Scottish Borders Group Commander (GC) Michael Jaffray.
She met Princess Anne at the official opening which was reported in the Border Telegraph newspaper on September 5, that year.
She said: “The Princess asked me how my family felt about me being a firefighter and what I did as my main job? I told her my family are fine with what I do and I’m a registered nurse, which can come in handy when I’m called out.
“I decided to become a firefighter because it was a challenge for me and it was something for the community that I could be involved in. They had an open day and I thought I would give it a go, I never thought for a minute that I would actually make it, but here I am.”
Lauder Fire Station celebrated the milestone occasion with a socially distanced ceremony.
This was attended by Assistant Chief Officer (ACO) John Dickie, Deputy Assistant Chief Officer (DACO) David Lockhart, Local Senior Officer (LSO) Steve Gourlay, GC Michael Jaffray, Station Commander (SC) Don MacNeil, and the Lauder crew.
ACO, John Dickie was involved in the initial and continuous training of the Lauder crew for their first three years.
He said: “It was very satisfying to observe the team develop from limited knowledge and experience as trainee firefighters to being signed off as ready to go on the run protecting the community of Lauder. Now 20 years on, it was good to meet and chat with some of the original crew again on the anniversary of the station going on the run.”
The SFRS is currently on the look-out for retained firefighters in areas across Scotland.
Retained firefighters must be aged 18 or over, live within five to eight minutes’ drive of their local station and have the permission of their primary employer before joining the SFRS.
999 agents across the UK handled a call every three seconds during Covid-19 peak
BT’s technology helps to pinpoint 999 caller’s GPS position
BT’s 999 key workers in Scotland handled more than 10.5 million calls in the last year.
The company today revealed the latest 999 call handling volumes for its two centres in Scotland – with agents handling over 28,000 calls every day – as BT joins the emergency services to mark this year’s 999 Day [9 September], an annual celebration of the work of emergency services across the UK.
BT’s 999 agents are the calm and confident voice answering every 999 call. Six BT call centres handle all the UK’s 999 calls in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England, passing calls to the relevant emergency service.
The number of 999 calls handled by BT has increased significantly in recent years, jumping from around 25 million calls a year in 2000, to over 33 million calls in the last year – nearly a third of which were answered in Scotland. When the UK entered into lockdown in March, BT 999 call advisors were given key worker status and put the needs of the public first to fulfil their critical role in answering 999 calls.
Nationally, during the Covid-19 peak, BT’s 999 call handlers were responding to unprecedented levels of demand, answering a daily average of 105k 999 calls[2]. The busiest periods saw 999 agents handling a call every three seconds. To meet this demand, BT trained an additional 100 staff to support with answering calls, including a number of volunteers who put themselves forward to help out.
Lacey Talbot, a BT employee who volunteered to work in the 999 team during the Covid-19 peak, said:“It was an honour to be trusted to do such an important role and I will never forget my experience.
“It made me feel proud to support the 999 service, especially during a nationwide pandemic. The people who perform this role each day under immense pressures are unsung heroes.”
BT’s Advanced Mobile Location (AML) technology provides a critical role to the emergency services, providing the exact location of a 999 caller by sending an automatic text to the 999 call handler.
The majority of mobile phones (70%) – including Android and Apple smartphones – can now detect that an emergency call is being made, with the caller’s precise GPS position being sent to the 999 service during the call and pinpointing their position to within just three metres in some cases.
This plays a really important role in helping the emergency services reach incidents more quickly and save lives. For example, Police Scotland says it helps them locate people in difficulty who may be lost.
Amanda McDonald, National Head of Service Centres, Police Scotland, said:“When it comes to emergency calls it’s all about location, location, location. Advanced Mobile Location is a valuable tool for Contact, Command and Control (C3) Division to help locate people who are in need of our assistance but don’t know where they are.
“From road traffic collisions, people lost along the coastline or in the hills to ongoing dynamic incidents which require an immediate police response – AML helps us get there.”
Brian Henderson, Contact Centre Manager of BT’s two 999 centres in Scotland, said:“Many people are unaware of the crucial role our people play in supporting our emergency services.
“Our teams answer every initial 999 call and my colleagues in Scotland handled nearly 29,000 calls every single day last year.
“We’re proud to support our emergency services partners and join together today with the nation in celebrating the amazing work they do.”
Alan Lees, BT Enterprise Unit Director for Scotland, added: “During the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic our 999 call agents faced a significant increase in calls, and have gone above and beyond to provide a critical role to the UK public.
“Our AML Technology also enables our call handlers to pinpoint a 999 caller to as close as three metres in some cases. This could mean, for example, being able to tell which side of the motorway the call has come from, helping an ambulance or fire engine get to a scene ten minutes earlier, which is potentially life-saving.
!Our 999 agents and the emergency services do phenomenal work and we’re delighted to be celebrating them on Emergency Services Day.”
BT plays a critical role supporting the emergency services – from its 999 call centres, building the Emergency Services Network (ESN), to BT’s emergency service volunteers working across the country from Cornwall to the Scottish Highlands and globally.
[1]Average daily call volumes YTD (from 1st April 2020 – Sunday 16th August 2020)
[2]Average daily call volumes during height of lockdown (17th March 2020 – 20th March 2020)
A Fire Service search and rescue dog that has responded more than 300 times to protect communities in Scotland and abroad has now officially retired.
Springer Spaniel Diesel has hung up his protective boots and doggles after helping locate casualties over the past eight years – or approximately 55 ‘dog years’.
The clever canine joined the United Kingdom International Search and Rescue team in 2012 and then the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in 2015.
And he was trained to use his powerful nose to move quickly through collapsed buildings or across wide areas of land to detect the live scent of an injured or trapped survivor.
Based in Portlethen, Aberdeenshire, Diesel has been working side-by-side with handler Gary Carroll who is a Crew Commander with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
The pair were notably deployed to Nepal in 2015 as part of the UK’s International Search and Rescue team after an earthquake hit the region and thousands sadly lost their lives.
11-year-old Diesel was the first search dog employed by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and will officially hand over the lead to his protégé Mac.
Looking back at their time together, Crew Commander Carroll said: “Myself and Diesel have had a great working relationship over the years.
“I’ve had him since the day he was born and have been able to watch him grow into an incredible search dog.
“When we’ve attended incidents he’s always checking that I am ok, in the same way that I have done with him.”
He added: “He’s been a real asset and been able to help firefighters and other agencies at incidents by searching large areas in a short time frame.
“By doing this he’s able to help ascertain whether someone is within the search area – and, if not, then we can quickly move the focus onto another search area.”
Mac is a four-year-old English Springer Spaniel and has been an operational search dog with the national service since October 2019, also based in Portlethen, Aberdeenshire.
Martin Blunden is the Chief Officer for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
He said: “Firstly, I want to thank Diesel for his service – he’s been an important part of our response across Scotland for a number of years now.
“Even though he sees searching as a game, he’s dedicated a large part of his life to helping people when they are in need and that should be commended.
“I’d also like to thank Gary and his family for the hard work and time they have put in to training both Diesel and Mac.”
Crew Commander Carroll works as an Urban Search and Rescue instructor at the training centre in Portlethen.
Chief Officer Blunden continued: “It’s an incredible level of commitment shown by both handler and dog to be there for people across Scotland when needed.
“Whether it is the middle of the night or just as dinner is being served, a call can come in and Gary will drop anything to provide a potentially life-saving resource.”
To find out more about search dog Mac follow him on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @sfrsdog.
