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.
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.”
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is working to ensure communities are protected on Bonfire Night amidst an anticipated spike in demand.
November 5 is traditionally one of the busiest nights of the year for the SFRS which last year responded to 350 bonfires over an eight-hour period following 882 calls for assistance.
Firefighters have been working closely with local authority partners and will tonight carry out joint patrols with police to share safety advice and support people to reduce the risks.
The national Service has also put tried and tested plans in place to ensure resources are effectively co-ordinated to protect communities where required.
Assistant Chief Officer Stuart Stevens is the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Director of Service Delivery. He said: “We are anticipating a spike in emergency calls and operational demand, but rest assured we have tried and tested procedures in place to ensure we can respond where we are needed the most.
“Our staff will be out on patrol with police and local authority partners in areas across Scotland to engage with communities and pass on advice to anyone who is hosting a bonfire.
“These patrols will also be tasked with removing any dangerous materials which may be used as part of a bonfire to prevent potential injuries or damage to property.”
He added: “Our communities can help us during this busy period by considering the impact of their actions on others and emergency services.
“It is absolutely vital that we preserve the capacity to respond to other emergencies.”
Area Commander Libby Logan has also drafted in additional Operations Control Firefighters to meet the anticipated increase in emergency calls. She said: “There is no question that this is one of our busiest night of the year – but we prepare well in advance for the challenges that this occasion always brings and we are ready to respond.
“Our Control Room Firefighters are highly trained and experienced in protecting communities and will always be there for those in an emergency – and tonight is no different.
“I would like to thank the Operations Control team for their hard work and dedication and would ask everyone across the country to follow all key safety advice and really consider the potential impact of their actions on others.”
The SFRS Fireworks Code can help reduce risk for those considering using fireworks in a private setting and can be accessed here:
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Control Watch Manager, Linda Coughlan, has won a prestigious Spirit of Fire award at a virtual ceremony held by The Fire Fighters Charity and introduced by His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge.
Winning the Supporter of The Year: Control Room Staff award at the Charity’s virtual awards ceremony, Linda was recognised for her years of selfless support of the Charity. Organising events, volunteering, raising awareness and doing everything she can to raise funds for the Charity, Linda’s award was announced on the night by Dame Katherine Grainger DBE, Britain’s most decorated female Olympian .
His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge introduced The Fire Fighters Charity’s virtual Spirit of Fire Awards via a recorded video message.
Opening the ceremony The Duke spoke of the challenges faced by fire service personnel in the wake of Covid-19, reiterating why it’s so important that they know where to turn when they need support themselves.
The Duke also announced the winner of the evening’s first award– the Special Recognition Award for Excellence in The Field of Mental Health – which was awarded to Shilla Patel, Inclusion Manager at London Fire Brigade.
A further 13 awards were announced by a host of famous faces over the course of the evening, including: Brian May CBE, Michael Sheen OBE, Dame Julie Walters DBE, Clare Balding OBE, Simon Day, Reverend Kate Botley, Jason Watkins, Adam Hills, Les Ferdinand MBE, Susanna Reid, Maddie Moat and Greg Foot.
The Spirit of Fire Awards recognise the fundraising and awareness-raising achievements of members of the UK’s fire services community in their support of The Fire Fighters Charity, as well as the courage of the Charity’s beneficiaries in the face of personal adversity.
Usually held in London, with a reception at No.10 Downing Street, the coronavirus pandemic meant that the Charity took the awards ceremony online in 2020 for the first time.
The Fire Fighters Charity Chief Executive, Dr Jill Tolfrey, said of Linda’s Supporter of The Year: Control Room Staff award: “I am delighted that Linda has been recognised for her remarkable, lifelong support of The Fire Fighters Charity.
“She is a true ambassador for the Charity in Scotland and works tirelessly to both raise funds and ensure that her colleagues across the Service know that the Charity is here to help them if they need it. Congratulations Linda.”
CRIMESTOPPERS have launched their annual campaign aiming to tackle firework misuse and deliberate fire-setting, and to encourage people to contact them 100% anonymously if they know or suspect someone is involved.
The campaign is supported by the Scottish Government’s Building Safer Communities team.
Firework misuse can have a massive impact on communities in Scotland, with some local areas experiencing ongoing and sustained anti-social behaviour and risk to life linked to fireworks.
In some communities people may be afraid to engage with those responsible for anti-social behaviour for fear of being targeted, which is why our anonymous service is so valuable.
The Crimestoppers campaign omplements two national Scottish Government campaigns, and provides extra support for areas in Edinburgh, Glasgow and West Lothian which have experienced higher levels of firework misuse. These communities have been involved in the preparation of the campaign.
National Manager for Crimestoppers in Scotland Angela Parker explained: “With no public displays this year, some communities could be at increased risk of serious firework misuse and deliberate fire-setting.
“Firework misuse puts people, property and pets at risk, so we have worked closely with a range of partners to devise a campaign that will enable local people to fully understand the law around misuse of fireworks, and the penalties.
“Last year, our charity in Scotland received 63 pieces of information that helped prevent attacks, fire-setting and serious misuse, so we know, together we can make Bonfire Night safer for everyone.”
Ash Denham MSP, Minister for Community Safety, said: “The Scottish Government’s ambition is for all of Scotland’s communities to be safe places for everyone to live, work and enjoy. We all have a part to play in making that vision a reality.
“Misuse of fireworks can be hugely damaging and distressing and will not be tolerated. I would encourage anyone who witnesses or has information about criminality relating to fireworks to report it so that action can be taken to prevent further harm to our communities.
“Crimestoppers’ unique reporting service allows people to provide information about crime entirely anonymously. By using this service people can help to prevent, detect and solve crime within their local community.”
The campaign is also complemented by a youth programme, Fearless.org, raising awareness among 11-18-year-olds about the risks, and encouraging anonymous reporting about planned attacks and deliberate fire-raising.
https://youtu.be/oK6J6-CpfhI
Underage sales of fireworks
We are also encouraging people to let us know about anyone who’s selling fireworks to underage people.
In Scotland, it is illegal to sell outdoor fireworks to anyone who is younger than 18 years old. And it is illegal to sell indoor fireworks (such as sparklers) to anyone who is younger than 16 years old.
Other contact numbers
In an emergency: contact Police or Fire on 999 Non-emergency: Police Scotland 101 Underage sales:Scotland Trading Standards Office (and for unsafe or unlicenced storage by shops and dangerous fireworks)
If you know or suspect who is misusing fireworks or causing deliberate fires in your area, or selling them illegally, you can contact Crimestoppers 100% anonymously.
Your computer’s IP addresses are never traced and no-one will ever know you contacted us. For telephone calls, we have have no caller line display, no 1471 facility and have never traced a call.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is underlining the dangers of fireworks as large scale public events including organised displays are being cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Families and communities are being reminded that bonfires and the private use of fireworks can cause significant injury and present a particular risk to children, and can also upset pets.
This type of activity can further impact on the emergency services – firefighters attended more than 2,300 deliberate fires during the four-week period leading to Bonfire Night 2019.
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.
“We know this means that people may consider hosting their own events this year but we would urge caution around doing so because every year people are injured by fireworks and admitted to hospital – and children are particularly at risk.
“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 are therefore strongly encouraging anyone who does wish to host a private event to reduce the risk by ensuring to familiarise themselves with our firework code and fire safety guidance. Do not take risks because the consequences can be devastating.”
November 5 is traditionally a busy night for the SFRS. Last year, Operations Control received 882 calls from members of the public and crews also responded to more than 350 bonfires within an eight-hour period – with six recorded attacks on firefighters.
DACO Perry said: “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.”
The safety message was also backed by Community Safety Minister Ash Denham (above), who said: “Bonfire Night this year is going to feel very different and at this usual time for celebration I urge everyone to follow to the Scottish Government’s public health guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19).
“It is absolutely vital the public adhere to the rules on meeting up with other households to help stop the spread of the virus.
“The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and all emergency service workers have my complete support, particularly over the busy bonfire season.
“If you are planning to use fireworks please ensure you do this responsibly and safely and follow the appropriate advice on the SFRS website.”
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is continuing to proactively work with communities across Scotland to highlight the dangers and this includes engaging with young people.
DACO Perry continued: “We are proud to work with young people wherever possible and open up positive pathways to them through initiatives like our Youth Volunteer Scheme.
“I would encourage others to consider initiatives like the YVS which not only teaches fire safety advice but equips young people with skills and ambitions for future success in life, learning or employment.”
For more on how to stay safe this Bonfire Night follow our fireworks code at:
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.
People across Scotland are being urged to get their sweat on this September in aid of firefighters and their families
Last year, the SFRS Family Support Trust (FST) launched its maiden StepTember exercise challenge, laying down the gauntlet to participants by asking them to complete either 26, 50 or 100-mile journeys within the 30 days of September.
The event proved to be hugely popular, with more than 180 people clocking up a staggering 14,400 miles – a distance that would (approximately) take the average person 201,628 days to walk.
The tenacious trekkers even dreamt up some unusual ways to complete their miles, with participants opting to walk, run, cycle and even row their miles.
This year, the Family Support Trust is hoping the event can prove to be even more successful.
The FST help support firefighters and their families across Scotland by offering financial assistance and respite accommodation.
SFRS Area Commander Garry Mackay helped organise the event and is a Family Support Trust Board Member. He said: “Last year’s event captured the imagination of people and this year, given the restrictions we have seen on so many events, we hope that more than ever people will get behind StepTember and support the incredible work of the Family Support Trust.
“We have worked with the event provider to ensure that participants are able to donate as large a proportion of the entry fee as they choose and this goes straight to the Trust.
“In addition, through the generosity of our partners Breaking Strain Events, we have kept the entry fee and costs to the charity exactly the same as last year.”
Participants can decide how much of their registration fee goes straight to the charity, with options for some of the entry costs to go towards a medal or joining gift.
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.
