Tag: Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

SFRS issues frozen water warning

THE Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is warning communities across Scotland to stay clear of frozen water as temperatures drop. The national service is urging the public to be aware of the risks of going onto or allowing children and pets to go onto the ice. 

According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, more than 50 per cent of all drowning cases involving ice in the UK involved the attempted rescue of another person or a pet. 

And SFRS is warning that while ice can look and feel solid, it can suddenly crack and cause a person to fall through and potentially become trapped under the ice. 

DACO Alasdair Perry is SFRS’ Head of Prevention and Protection. 

He said: “We would ask everyone to be aware of the dangers of ice during this cold snap and strongly advise against walking or playing on any iced-up waterways and always ensure that children are kept away from any iced over ponds or rivers.

“If you are out with your pet, do not throw sticks or balls near frozen water, and if they do get into trouble on the ice, do not venture onto the ice yourself to attempt a rescue – dial 999.

“The ice may look solid, but it is not worth the risk to step out on to it.”

The low temperature of the water can also bring on cold-water shock, which can be potentially deadly. 

Cold-water shock can cause breathing difficulties, blood vessels to close, the heart-rate to increase and lead to a heart attack. 

Michael Avril is the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s Regional Water Safety Lead for Scotland. He said: “Walking on ice is extremely risky and unpredictable and the RNLI advise that you avoid doing this. If you do fall through, the freezing water temperatures can bring on cold water shock.  

“If you find yourself or someone else in trouble, dial 999 and ask for the fire service immediately. Do not attempt to rescue anyone yourself.”

For more information on Cold Water Shock please visit the RNLI website at https://rnli.org/safety/know-the-risks/cold-water-shock 

For more information on how to stay safe around frozen water, visit https://www.rlss.org.uk/winter-water-safety or https://www.rospa.com/leisure-safety/water/advice/ice.aspx 

SFRS’ Top Tips to stay safe around water: 

  • Nobody should walk onto any frozen water, whether a river, pond, canal, or reservoir under any situation. Children and pets are particularly at risk when tempted to play on the ice formed on open water during cold weather. 
  • Pets should be kept on leads when near frozen water and owners should refrain from throwing objects onto ice for them to retrieve. 
  • If the worst happens, passers-by should shout reassurance to casualties without endangering themselves. Make sure help is on the way by phoning the emergency services on 999, don’t assume someone else will have called. 
  • Do not walk or climb onto the ice to attempt a rescue and do not get into the water, or you may become the next casualty. 
  • If someone can’t climb out of the water, it is not advisable, as many people think to move about in the water to keep warm while waiting for help. Instead, they should conserve their energy by keeping as still as possible. 

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service nominated for prestiious national charity award

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS)is set to be honoured by blood cancer charity Anthony Nolan, at a digital awards celebration next month.

SFRShas been shortlisted for the Recruiter of the Year at the Anthony Nolan Supporter Awards 2020. 

The prestigious Anthony Nolan Supporter Awards are back for their eighth year and will recognise the outstanding achievements of the volunteers, fundraisers, clinical supporters and donors who help the pioneering blood cancer charity save lives. 

The awards ceremony is usually held at the Tower of London, but with mass gatherings of this nature currently unable to take place there will be a digital celebration instead, where celebrities and other specially invited supporters will announce the winners of each category in specially pre-recorded films. 

The SFRS formed the groundbreaking partnership with the blood cancer charity 12 years ago.

Since then, volunteers have worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the desperate need for more stem cell donors.

As a result, over 18000 new potential stem cell donors have been recruited on the Anthony Nolan register.

The partnership has seen 76 people recruited by the scheme donate stem cells and give seriously ill patients a second chance at life.

Now mainly focusing on Secondary School recruitment, volunteers from the service have educated over 38,500 school children aged between 16 and 18. 

Andy Watt, Chair of the SFRS Partnership said: “We are absolutely delighted to be shortlisted as a finalist at this year’s Anthony Nolan Supporter Awards. Even during lockdown, people recruited by the partnership have donated their stem cells and given desperately ill patients a second chance.

“This only happens because of the contribution of our incredible volunteers and this nomination is entirely about them. They give so freely of their time and I hope they reflect with great pride on the contribution that they make to saving and improving lives” 

Henny Braund, Chief Executive of Anthony Nolan, said: “It is remarkable to see how many people support our work to find a match for those in need of a stem cell transplant. Without them, none of our life-saving work would be possible. 

“It’s impossible to overstate the significance of the work done by our partners in SFRS. The passion and determination of the volunteers to educate Scottish schoolchild on the lifesaving subject of stem cell donation, is nothing short of inspirational. The fact that 76 lives have potentially been saved, is a result that speaks for itself.”

All winners will be revealed at 7pm on Thursday 11th February at www.anthonynolan.org/awards 

Anthony Nolan is the charity that finds matching stem cell donors for people with blood cancer and blood disorders and gives them a second chance at life. It also carries out ground-breaking research to save more lives and provide information and support to patients after a stem cell transplant, through its clinical nurse specialists and psychologists, who help guide patients through their recovery.  

To see the full shortlist, and find out more about the charity visit www.anthonynolan.org/awards  

Are you interested in a career in the fire service?

Scotland’s national fire service is reaching out to members of the LGBT+ community to encourage them to consider a career in the fire service.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is inviting underrepresented groups to a dedicated online information session about operational and non-operational roles.

This month, an exclusive session is being held for members of the LGBT+ community.

Liz Barnes, Director of People and Organisational Development for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, said: “As an equal opportunities employer, we strive to ensure our workforce represents the communities we work in.

“We want to reach out to diverse groups. This can help increase the number of applicants, which means that we will get the best candidates applying for the right job.”

In October 2020, due to COVID-19 restrictions the information sessions moved online for the first time.

This month, online sessions continue with a dedcated LGBT+ event on Wednesday, January 20 between 6pm and 8pm.

Liz continued: “During the sessions, we’ll aim to answer questions about the range of careers available in the service and how you can apply for these roles.

“It’s also important for us discuss any challenges you feel there are and how we may assist in overcoming these.”      

Anyone who wishes to attend can sign up via Eventbrite – places are limited however, there will be a holding list for future events.

More online information sessions are planned for other underrepresented groups who are interested in learning more about careers in the fire service.

Fire Service issues frozen water warning

THE Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is warning communities across Scotland to stay clear of frozen water as temperatures drop. 

The national service is urging the public to be aware of the risks of going onto or allowing children and pets to go onto the ice. 

According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, more than 50 per cent of all drowning cases involving ice in the UK involved the attempted rescue of another person or a pet. 

And SFRS is warning that while ice can look and feel solid, it can suddenly crack and cause a person to fall through and potentially become trapped under the ice. 

DACO Alasdair Perry is SFRS’ Head of Prevention and Protection. He said: “We would ask everyone to be aware of the dangers of ice during this cold snap and strongly advise against walking or playing on any iced-up waterways and always ensure that children are kept away from any iced over ponds or rivers.

“If you are out with your pet, do not throw sticks or balls near frozen water, and if they do get into trouble on the ice, do not venture onto the ice yourself to attempt a rescue – dial 999. 

“The ice may look solid, but it is not worth the risk to step out on to it.”

The low temperature of the water can also bring on cold-water shock, which can be potentially deadly. 

Cold-water shock can cause breathing difficulties, blood vessels to close, the heart-rate to increase and lead to a heart attack. 

Michael Avril, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s Regional Water Safety Lead for Scotland, said: “Walking on ice is extremely risky and unpredictable and the RNLI advise that you avoid doing this.

“If you do fall through, the freezing water temperatures can bring on cold water shock.  

“If you find yourself or someone else in trouble, dial 999 and ask for the fire service immediately. Do not attempt to rescue anyone yourself.” 

For more information on Cold Water Shock please visit the RNLI website at https://rnli.org/safety/know-the-risks/cold-water-shock 

For more information on how to stay safe around frozen water, visit https://www.rlss.org.uk/winter-water-safety or https://www.rospa.com/leisure-safety/water/advice/ice.aspx 

SFRS worker asks communities to reach out

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service worker has spoken of the plight of an elderly woman forced to live in her kitchen to stay warm – as she underlines the need to look out for the vulnerable this Christmas.

Louise Dalton is member of the Service’s dedicated Community Action Team, tasked with providing free Home Fire Safety Visits and advice to some of Scotland’s most vulnerable and isolated people. 

And she is urging communities to get in contact if they know of a relative, friend or neighbour who may be in need of assistance. Louise said: “I don’t think people truly understand the effect of social isolation.

“I will never, ever forget an elderly woman who was living near Glasgow city centre; she had limited mobility and had moved everything into her kitchen.  

“Her bed was in there; she spent all day sitting on a wooden dining chair and had a small electric heater because her gas had been shut off. She had a small portable stove that she made dinner on and at night she crawled over the table to get into her bed. 

“She had no one: no friends or family, no one to make sure she was eating, bathing, or staying warm. 

“It was a horrible situation for anyone to be living in, but there were also massive fire risks there and we supported her to start getting the help she needed from ourselves and our partners.”

During Lockdown, Louise has been working from home as part of a multi-agency helpline team which includes staff from SFRS and Glasgow City Council. 

They have made more than 11,000 calls to vulnerable people across Glasgow to help ensure they continue to get the support they need, including vital medical prescriptions. 

She has also been part of a nationwide partnership between SFRS and the SPFL Trust, delivering thousands of Christmas hampers to isolated and vulnerable people under the Festive Friends campaign launched by the trust earlier this month.

Louise believes communities can also play their part by calling 0800 0731 999 to signpost the SFRS to any other vulnerable people, on their behalf and with their permission, who may be vulnerable to fire or other risks – anywhere in Scotland.

She said: “Social isolation, fuel poverty, mental health issues can all affect anyone of any age and background so it’s been great that we’ve been able to keep working together but we still can’t reach everyone. 

“That’s why we’re asking people to help us – help us make sure no-one is alone this Christmas and that they get the long-term support that they need to stay safe.” 

Scottish Fire and Rescue: Stay safe from fire this festive season

THE public is being reminded to stay safe from fire this winter and support firefighters to identify vulnerable friends, family or neighbours who may need assistance.

An increased use of heating and electricity over the colder months combined with festive lights, trees, decorations, and candles can heighten the risk of a fire potentially taking hold.

It is also important that those who are over 50 and smoke and also live alone, have mobility issues or use oxygen, or those who are living with addiction are supported by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to reduce the risk.

The Service’s Make The Call campaign was launched earlier this year and appealed directly to the family, friends, and neighbours of those who are most at risk of fire to get in touch with SFRS on their behalf to request a free Home Fire Safety Visit by calling 0800 0731 999.

Latest figures show that 446 homes in Scotland were affected by accidental fires between December 9, 2019 and January 13, 2020 which sadly claimed the lives of six people and resulted in 56 casualties. 49 of those were in Edinburgh.

The statistics further highlight that of the 56 casualties, a total of 19 were aged 60 or over which is almost 34 per cent.

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Ali Perry is the SFRS’ Head of Prevention and Protection. He said: “Every year we see an increase in the risk of fire in the home during the festive season and we want to support families across Scotland to stay safe at this time of year.

“One death because of a fire in the home is one too many and the aftermath of a fire can be absolutely devastating for those affected.

“That’s why we are reaching out to every community in Scotland this winter – please follow our advice and guidance to help us keep you safe and help us reach the most vulnerable and elderly people in our society.”

During a Home Fire Safety Visit SFRS staff will identify fire hazards and risks in the home, help plan escape routes and provide information about smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide alarms. All visits are carried out in-line with the local Scottish Government Covid-19 tier guidance and regulations.

DACO Perry says cooking and alcohol intake is one of the main causes of fire.

An overall increase in electricity use alongside the traditional use of candles, Christmas decorations and lights and portable heaters or traditional fuel burning fireplaces has also been linked to a heightened risk of fire.

Communities are being asked to follow SFRS’s safety advice which is widely available on the Service’s website or social media channels under the hashtag #SaferWinter2020

DACO Perry advised: “By just taking a few essential steps you can massively reduce the risk of a fire in your house. If you can’t get online, then get in touch with us through your local station who will be more than happy to offer help and guidance.

“We want everyone to remember this Christmas and New Year for all the right reasons. Taking a few minutes to look at our advice and identify the hazards in your own home can help keep you and those around you safe.”


Community Safety Minister Ash Denham said: “Please keep yourself and others safe over the festive period and follow the advice of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and act responsibly.

“I would urge people to Make the Call to SFRS if they think someone is particularly vulnerable and requires support to stay safe from fire within the home.” 

A free online home fire safety quiz is also available to everyone in Scotland.

The ‘Fire Safety in the Home – Self Assessment’ survey asks a series of simple questions and then automatically generates a home fire safety report unique to that household, including advice on how to rectify risks and problems.

To use the interactive tool, visit: https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/online-hfsv-checker.aspx

Visit https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/make-the-call.aspx for more information on SFRS’ Make the Call campaign.

For more advice on how to keep yourself and your home safe from fire during the festive season visit https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/festive-safety.aspx

Ambulance staff to share base with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

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 deal with more than 500 bonfires on November 5


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.” 

SFRS ready to protect communities this Bonfire Night

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: 

https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/fireworks-safety.aspx

Bonfire and Fireworks advice from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

Let’s keep our communities safe this bonfire season …

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