Consultation opens on ‘transformation vision’
THE Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is set to launch a public consultation as it continues to lead the way in Scotland’s public sector – by proposing to transform to meet modern risks. Continue reading Have your say in Fire & Rescue Service consultation
Firefighters responded to more than 500 accidental house fires across Scotland during last year’s festive season.
Latest figures reveal that the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was alerted to a total of 517 such incidents between December 7 and January 11.
This is a stark increase from the 230 accidental house fires over the same period the previous year.
Accidental house fires can be caused by an increased use of heating and electrical appliances – as well as higher alcohol consumption during the holiday season.
Assistant Chief Officer David McGown is the SFRS Director of Prevention and Protection. He spoke out ahead of this Winter’s awareness campaign to urge families to stay safe over this festive period.
ACO McGown said: “This winter SFRS will work closely with local communities and partner agencies to keep Scotland safe from fire and other emergencies – but as always, we need the public’s help to reduce the amount of preventable fires we might see in the coming months.
“I would directly appeal to people to check if their elderly relatives, neighbours or friends are in need of our support and to contact us directly.
“Home fire safety visits are a key pillar of our prevention work that help safeguard the public – especially vulnerable residents but also families and the wider community. These are free pre-arranged visits where SFRS staff identify signs to protect people and their homes.
“SFRS staff can also identify hazards in the home, help plan escape routes and supply and install smoke detectors for free – a vital tool for every home.”
The senior officer also appealed to people to take care on the roads as the colder weather can also see firefighters attend more traffic collisions due to treacherous driving conditions during ice and flooding.
He said: “Every year across Scotland, there is a rise in emergency calls to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service due to winter weather.
“We urge the public to take action now and be prepared for whatever hazards might come in the next few months.
“Winter weather also brings unexpected and dangerous conditions to our roads. It’s important to ensure that your vehicle is serviced, well maintained and that drivers take the necessary precautions when driving in bad weather.’’
If you or someone you know is vulnerable or may be at risk from fire please get in touch and arrange a FREE home fire safety visit with local firefighters by calling 0800 0731 999.
For more advice on how to keep yourself and your home safe from fire during winter visit: www.firescotland.gov.uk/winter
Firefighters have appealed for the public to help them prevent tragedies while cooking in the kitchen in a new advertising campaign. Continue reading Firefighters’ appeal: Stay safe when cooking
A former newsagent has told how he made a life-changing decision thanks to his customers – a crew of firefighters. Mani Dhesi left the shop counter and joined the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service after being inspired by their accounts of protecting the public. And the father-of-two – who can speak FOUR languages – is now playing a vital role in bringing the SFRS closer to communities. Continue reading Mani swaps serving customers for saving lives
Police in Edinburgh are condemning attacks on emergency services over the weekend – and Muirhouse hit the headlines for the wrong reasons once again as a woman police officer suffered burns in an incident there. Continue reading Woman police officer seriously injured by firework in Muirhouse
Scotland was once again marred by a number of attacks on firefighters in various locations across the country last night. Crews were faced with missiles and fireworks being thrown at them on a reported 11 occasions as they worked tirelessly to keep people safe on Bonfire Night.
Continue reading Attacks on firefighters blight Guy Fawkes celebrations
Attacks on firefighters who are working hard to protect communities during Bonfire season will not be tolerated, says a top fire chief. Assistant Chief Officer (ACO) Lewis Ramsay hit out after crews were last year targeted by missiles and fireworks in the course of their duties. Continue reading Fire chief condemns attacks on firefighters
NHS Lothian chiefs have assured the public the Royal Infirmary is safe after panels of combustible material were found during safety inspections at the hospital. The checks were initiated following the Grenfell Tower blaze in London. Continue reading Combustible cladding found, but health chief insists Royal Infirmary “remains safe”
The safety of communities across Scotland has been bolstered thanks to a multi-million pound investment in the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s front line. Four Aerial Ladder Platforms (ALPs) and a Turntable Ladder appliance (TTL) were unveiled yesterday in a spectacular convoy that set-off from Edinburgh’s George IV Bridge under a police escort. Continue reading Community Safety Boosted With Arrival of New Fire Appliances
THE future of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was celebrated yesterday after 101 firefighters were welcomed to the frontline. The elite recruits were cheered on by 400 friends and family members during a momentous ceremony at the SFRS HQ in Cambuslang.
Visitors were also treated to a series of tactical displays before applauding the trainees as they received their graduation scrolls.
The event ended a gruelling 14-week training regime that equipped the new wholetime firefighters with skills needed to protect Scotland from fires, car crashes, severe weather and terrorism.
Chief Officer Alasdair Hay warmly welcomed the future heroes to the single service. He said: “This is a proud day for the SFRS and for the nation.
“Through their determination, passion and sheer grit these recruits have proved to us, the public and their loved ones that they are the very best Scotland has to offer.
“This is a new horizon for these 101 incredible individuals who have been moulded into brave and committed rescue specialists and will now go on to save lives.
“When I started my career around 30 years ago the focus was on putting out fires but modern risks mean we must broaden our skills and train for the unthinkable, to also overcome severe weather, terrorism and save cardiac arrest victims.
“Congratulations to each and every one graduating today – I was proud to welcome them as trainees and I am now honoured to lead them as firefighters as they go forward and play their part in ensuring the safety of the people of Scotland.”
Minister for Community Safety & Legal Affairs Annabelle Ewing added: “I would like to welcome the new recruits and congratulate them on embarking on what will be a rewarding career in a service committed to keeping people in Scotland safe.
“They are entering a service at this exciting time as it adapts to meet modern risks and support the needs of our communities in the 21st Century.
“Having one national service allows SFRS to target resources where they are most needed and these firefighters will play an absolutely vital role in protecting the people of Scotland.
“They will also help in SFRS’ vital prevention role by sharing safety practices and engaging with local communities.”
The 101 trainees were unveiled in January this year after being hand-selected from more than 5,300 applications.
They were then split into three squads to learn vital life-saving skills at three different training facilities – Cambuslang in Glasgow, Portlethen in Aberdeenshire and Thornton in Fife.
During the three-month programme they got to grips with ladders, hoses, water and rope rescues, and tackling burning buildings.
But they also nailed down crucial fire prevention skills such as home fire safety visits – a proactive community engagement tactic that has dramatically slashed house fire callouts and saved lives.
After graduating, new firefighter Rhonda Jones, 37, looked back over her training and life before the SFRS. The ex-Scotland footballer from Bonnyrigg, Midlothian said: “I have always been physically fit but the SFRS has tapped into a deeper mental strength to turn me into a firefighter.
“The last 14-weeks have been intense, demanding and exhausting and it’s something we can all be proud of.
“It’s a great privilege to now be able to pull on my kit and uniform as an SFRS firefighter – and I’d just like to say thanks to my family and friends who supported me in making this dream a reality.” Continue reading ‘The best Scotland has to offer’: Fire and Rescue Service welcomes 101 recruits
