Tag: Fire

Grenfell tragedy: latest update

Communities Secretary Angela Constance said on Friday: “This week, we asked local authorities to give us further information about their high rise domestic buildings. They have reported that they have over 500 high rise domestic buildings in their areas.

“All 32 local authorities have advised the Scottish Government that no council or housing association high rise domestic buildings have the type of cladding reported to have been used in the Grenfell tower – Aluminium Composite Material (ACM). 

“24 Local Authorities have also reported to us that no privately owned high rise domestic buildings have ACM cladding.  The remainder are completing their investigations as a matter of urgency.”

A further update will follow the Ministerial Working Group on Building and Fire Safety next week.

Sajid Javid MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government said yesterday:

Ever since the appalling tragedy at Grenfell Tower on Wednesday 14 June, the government has been working very closely with local authorities, housing associations, and the private sector to ensure the safety of high-rise buildings.

We provided advice to all social landlords on 22 June about interim safety measures that should be taken immediately where it has been determined that a building has Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) cladding that is unlikely to be compliant with the requirements of the current Building Regulations. This guidance was recommended by an independent panel of experts and includes advice on the 3 emerging findings from the Metropolitan Police investigation into Grenfell Tower.

A combustibility testing programme for ACM cladding is running around the clock at the Building Research Establishment (BRE). This is able to test 100 samples a day – and if needed, yet further laboratory capacity could be provided.

So far the cladding from 34 high-rise buildings, in 17 local authority areas, has failed the combustibility test. All landlords and fire and rescue services for those local authorities have been alerted to the results and we are in touch with all 17 areas to support and monitor follow-up action. The landlords for all the affected buildings are taking action to inform tenants and implement the interim safety measures needed. Areas affected include the city of Manchester, Camden, Plymouth, Hounslow, Portsmouth, Barnet and Brent.

The fact that all samples so far have failed the tests underlines the value of the testing programme we have set up with the Building Research Establishment to get samples checked properly in the laboratories.

It is therefore very important for local authorities and housing associations to continue to submit such samples as a matter of urgency.

In the meantime, local authorities are contacting fire and rescue services in their area to conduct fire safety inspections of these tower blocks to inform them on what remedial works might be required.

We expect that authorities and landlords are very sensibly giving the highest priority to buildings with which they have most concern. But we should not be in the position where buildings have such cladding on them. How this occurred – and preventing this from happening again – is likely to be a key question for the public inquiry.

We are now rapidly identifying buildings of concern: samples are being tested very quickly; fire inspectors are checking the safety of the buildings as a whole; and we have issued interim safety guidance to help action that is being taken by local authorities, landlords, and fire and rescue services to mitigate risk and start addressing any defects that have been found.

It is important to stress that cladding itself is not dangerous, but it is important that the right type is used. Also, a failure in testing of the cladding does not necessarily mean that a building will have to be evacuated; the decision by Camden Council to evacuate 4 of the 5 towers on the Chalcots Estate was because the failed testing of the external cladding was compounded by multiple other fire safety failures which the fire inspection team found within the buildings.

Obviously, those residents in Camden who had to be asked to leave their homes at such short notice have had a distressing experience; I have to express deep admiration for the calm and stoicism with which so many have handled this.

I understand that the tragedy at Grenfell Tower, and now the evacuation in Camden, will be particularly worrying for those living in high-rise towers. However, fire safety standards are in place in buildings across this country and landlords are obliged by law to meet them – in both private rented and social housing. Individuals are no more likely to experience a fire now than before, but everyone should remain vigilant to the risk.

It is the responsibility of the landlords and freeholders to advise their residents what to do in the event of a fire in the building, based on the findings of their risk assessment. We are making sure that authorities and landlords have all the latest advice and support available as quickly as possible.

See below for advice on information on multi-storey fire safety

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Two in hospital following Granton flat fire

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Two people are being treated in hospital following a major fire on Lower Granton Road last night. Firefighters fought their way through choking smoke to rescue people trapped by a blaze at a block of flats. At one point fifty firefighters and eleven emergency appliances tackled the fire. Continue reading Two in hospital following Granton flat fire

Help protect your community from bonfire tragedy

Choosing to attend only organised displays is the best way to keep yourself, your family and your community safe. Continue reading Help protect your community from bonfire tragedy

Fire safety message taken to Edinburgh Mela

Thousands see fire safety displays at city music and dance festival

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City firefighters joined revellers at the Edinburgh Mela over the weekend to raise awareness of the support available to help the public prevent fires and the tragedies they cause.

Thousands of people enjoyed live music at Leith Links on Saturday and Sunday, making the annual festival an ideal opportunity for Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) crews to share potentially life-saving information.

Watch Manager Steve Scott said: “Our community action teams and crews from Marionville and McDonald Road Fire stations had two great days of engagement with the public.

“We had more than 1,200 people visit the SFRS Mobile Museum and they loved getting dressed-up in fire kit and getting selfies. It’s popular with young and old alike but of course the main drive is making our communities safer.

“All these visitors saw displays that make you very aware of common hazards within the home as well as the steps you can take to prevent them causing a potentially devastating fire.”

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The SFRS crews offered free home fire safety visits, which involve local firefighters helping householders identify hazards and taking simple steps to address them.

With early warning known to be vital if a fire does happen, the SFRS crews also check smoke alarms are working and even provide and install the devices if they are found to be needed.

Free home fire safety visits are available from SFRS by calling the freephone number 0800 073 1999, by texting ‘FIRE’ to 80800 or by filling in an online form at www.firescotland.gov.uk.

Watch Manager Scott added: “We would much rather take 20 minutes to help someone stay safe than attend a fire that could have been prevented.

“Fire in the home is devastating. Even where no-one is seriously hurt, the loss of cherished possessions, the financial impact and the emotional trauma can all be horrific for those involved.

“We want to hear from anyone who thinks they or someone they know could benefit from some friendly, expert advice and support from their local crews.”

Pictures: Edinburgh Mela

 

Edinburgh firefighters warn: mind those barbecues

majority of incidents involve bins and/or disposable barbecues

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Firefighters in the City of Edinburgh have reminded people to safely dispose of barbecues to help prevent needless fires.

The Meadows is a particularly popular spot for Edinburgh picnickers, and last year the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) attended 57 fires in and around the Meadows between May and August. The majority of these incidents involved bins and/or disposable barbecues.

One of the main causes of the fires was the careless disposal of BBQ’s into bins, some of which already contained combustible materials.

This type of incident ties up valuable SFRS resources as well as causing inconvenience for park staff and users.

Station Manager Jonathon Miller said: “Following the guidance provided will prevent resources from one of Scotland’s busiest stations being tied up at minor, easily prevented small fires on the Meadows.

“This can also delay our attendance at more serious, possibly life threatening, incidents and divert firefighters away from important community safety and training activities.

“We will be conducting routine joint visits with City of Edinburgh Council Park Rangers during the summer to offer advice on BBQ safety as well as offering free home fire safety visits to park users.”

The following simple tips should be followed to ensure a safe and enjoyable BBQ and lead to a reduction in fires:

  • Make sure your barbecue site is flat and away from fences, trees and sheds.
  • All BBQ’s should be raised from grass areas to avoid burning or scolding
  • Keep a bucket of water or large bottle of water nearby, in case of emergencies.
  • Use only enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue to a depth of about five centimetres (two inches).
  • Never use petrol or paraffin to start, or revive your barbecue – use only barbecue firelighters or starter fuel on cold coals.
  • Keep children and pets away from the cooking area.
  • Do not leave the barbecue unattended.
  • After cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before trying to move it.
  • Hot ashes can melt a plastic wheelie bin and can cause a fire.
  • Avoid alcohol if you are in charge of a barbeque.
  • Use one of the two designated BBQ bins on the Meadows (Middle Meadows Walk/Bruntsfield links)

Fire Service issues summer appeal

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As we move into summer and the school holidays, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is appealing to the public to join Scotland’s fight and do what they can to prevent fire.

During the summer months SFRS traditionally see an increase in the amount of deliberate fires across Scotland compared to the rest of the year. These fires present a danger to life, property and can have a detrimental financial impact on the Scottish economy.

SFRS will work together with partner agencies such as Police Scotland, Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Crimestoppers Scotland to prevent fires and support Police Scotland in highlighting the need to report fire offending.

Station Manager Graham Arnott, Glenrothes, said: “We want the public to have an enjoyable break over the summer holidays – and also a safe one. Over the next few months we’ll typically see an increase in the amount of deliberate fires.

“SFRS is appealing in particular to young people as they go on school holidays to consider the consequences of deliberately setting a fire. We would urge parents to ensure that their children know about and understand the potentially tragic consequences deliberate fires can have, as well as the impact for responding emergency services. Fire setting is an offense – don’t accept it, report it.

“We ask local residents and businesses to ensure that rubbish does not accumulate outside their property and that wheelie bins are stored in a safe and secure area until collection. Bin and rubbish fires can quickly take hold and spread to buildings and vehicles, posing a major risk to life and property.

“As we enter the time of year where we typically see warmer weather we would also expect to see an increase in the amount of woodland, grass and forest fires. Our crews work hard to provide education and advice about the risks and also respond when fires do break out. The public can help them to keep people safe by heeding our safety advice and sharing it with others. We’ll be working hand in hand with rural communities, businesses and landowners to establish ‘Fire Plans’ that will focus on reducing the risk of fire and provide advice on what to do if an emergency does occur.

“There is lots of information available online now at www.firescotland.gov.uk and residents wanting further advice in relation to keeping their home safe from fire can contact us for a FREE Home safety visit on 0800 0731 999, or text ‘FIRE’ to 80800.”

We need your help, say fire chiefs

SFRS asks for public’s help after 28th fire death in five months

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People will die in fires that could be prevented unless their friends, relatives and neighbours help them get the support they need to stay safe in their homes. The stark warning from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) makes clear firefighters across the country need the public to put them in touch with those who are at greatest risk.

It comes after confirmation that a man firefighters removed from a blaze at a flat in East Renfrewshire last Thursday later succumbed to his injuries. He was the 28th person in Scotland to die as a result of a fire this year.

Among the factors identified as having contributed to the fatalities were age, living alone, physical and mental health conditions, chaotic lifestyles, smoking, alcohol and drugs use.

Assistant Chief Officer Lewis Ramsay, the SFRS director of prevention and protection, said: “To lose someone through fire is utterly devastating and it always leaves a lasting impact on the families, friends and communities touched by the tragedy.

“The sad reality is many fatal fires could be prevented. We know very simple steps are often the difference between life and death.

“Every one of us can make that difference just by talking to people we know who might be vulnerable and putting them in touch with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

“Fire threatens every home – we all need to understand it can happen to us and the people around us, consider the risks and live up to our responsibility to do what we can to save lives.”

Older people, those with physical or mental health issues and others with issues involving the misuse of alcohol or drugs are all at increased risk of experiencing a fire in their homes and suffering injury or death as a result.

Firefighters throughout Scotland actively work to help individual householders stay safe but many of those most at risk can be reluctant to contact SFRS for support.

As part of the Join Scotland’s Fight Against Fire campaign, SFRS has called on anyone who looks out for the well-being of a friend, family member, co-worker or neighbour to discuss fire safety with them.

Mr Ramsay explained: “Our crews always do everything they can but unfortunately their courage and professionalism in responding to a fire won’t always be enough. Even where a fire has remained small, the smoke and heat produced can very quickly spread through a home and threaten the life of anyone inside.

“We would much rather take the time to do a free home fire safety visit and help someone prevent a fire than respond to a blaze where they may have already suffered life-changing, or even life-ending, injuries.”

He added: “Protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities isn’t something we can do alone. Reaching people who need some help to stay safe is always a challenge and we need the public’s help to meet it.”

Free home fire safety visits are available from SFRS by calling the freephone number 0800 073 1999, by texting ‘FIRE’ to 80800 or by filling in an online form at www.firescotland.gov.uk.

Conducted by local crews at times convenient for the householder, the visits also see firefighters provide and install free smoke alarms where these are found to be needed.

Mr Ramsay added: “We’ll probably never know just how many lives have been saved because someone had the presence of mind to arrange a free home fire safety visit, whether for their self or for someone close to them.

“It doesn’t take long for a local firefighter to show someone the common hazards that many people just don’t realise are in their home.

“Our crews help residents take very easy steps to address these risks and they also make sure the property has working smoke alarms and that everyone knows what to do if a fire does start.

“It’s a service that can make all the difference. I’d urge anyone who thinks they or someone they know could benefit from it to get in touch with us today – before another tragedy happens.”