Scottish Fire and Rescue Service – Page 23 – The NEN

Festival of Lights: enjoy a happy and safe Diwali

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service would like to wish everyone a very happy and safe Diwali …

The festival of lights is a time of celebration for Hindu, Jain and Sikh members of our communities. As the festival of lights, Diwali is a time of celebration often marked by special meals for family and friends and the lighting of candles and oil lamps, known as divas.

Taking a few simple precautions will significantly reduce the risk of fire within the home.

Candles and divas should always be placed out of the reach of children and away from things like curtains, furniture, clothing, and any other items that could easily catch fire.

By making sure they’re never left unattended or placed where they could be accidentally knocked over, people can help make sure their family remember this Diwali for all the right reasons.

More fires start in the kitchen than in any other room of the house, so it’s important to remember that fires start when our attention stops.

People should never walk away from a cooker while the grill or hob is on, as the few moments it takes to pick up a ringing phone or answer the door is all it could take for a potentially deadly fire to begin.

Where fires do start early warning is crucial if people are to get to safety. Working smoke alarms save lives.

Caution in the kitchen

Over the past few days The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) have been called out to a number of kitchen fires across the East of Scotland. Thankfully these fires were relatively minor, but officers are taking the opportunity remind the public to take extra care in the kitchen …

Group Manager Alex Smart said: “Our advice to anyone who does experience a fire within the home is to get out, stay out and call us out. Close the door behind you and never try to tackle a fire yourself.

“More fires begin in the kitchen than in any other room of the house and traditional chip pans are a particularly high fire risk. We would urge everyone take a few simple steps to keep themselves and those around them safe.

“By never leaving pans unattended while in use and by keeping any flammable materials, such as kitchen towels, etc., away from sources of ignition, we can dramatically reduce the chance of fire starting.

“Chip pan fires very quickly spread flames, toxic smoke and heat so having early warning is vital to preventing serious injury or worse. There is much less chance of someone being seriously hurt or killed by fire if a house is protected by working smoke alarms.

“Having a smoke alarm fitted can limit the damage to property by allowing firefighters the chance to respond earlier to extinguish the fire. Working smoke alarms provide householders with an early warning that will enable them to escape the property during the early stages and can prevent injuries and deaths caused by fire.

“Crews in every community throughout Scotland routinely visit members of the public in their own homes to offer FREE advice and to fit smoke alarms to help them stay safe from fire.

“If you or someone you know could benefit from a visit, please join Scotland’s fight against fire and request a FREE visit by calling the SFRS freephone number 0800 0731 999, by texting ‘check’ to 61611 or by contacting their local fire station.”

A wide range of tips on how to keep yourself and your home safe from fire are available on the SFRS website: www.firescotland.gov.uk

Freshers fire safety call

With students moving to study at universities and colleges throughout Scotland firefighters are calling on everyone to help keep themselves and their new communities safe from fire …

September sees young people arrive in cities and towns across the country for Freshers’ Week and as students get familiar with their new surroundings, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) wants them to act to prevent tragedies.

Assistant Chief Officer Lewis Ramsay, the SFRS director of prevention and protection, said: “Many young people will be leaving home for the first time and it’s obviously an exciting point in their lives.

“When moving into halls of residence or rented accommodation there’s a lot for these students to take in, but it’s absolutely crucial everyone recognises the danger posed by fire and understands the steps needed to reduce the risk.

“Our message to students is that you’re responsible for your own safety and that of the people around you.

“We need you to help us protect the communities you’re now part of, so please take a minute to look at our student safety leaflet – it’s essential reading.”

Firefighters will visit universities and colleges across Scotland throughout September to offer advice and help raise awareness of fire safety as an issue.

Parents also have a role to play, and SFRS is eager for anyone who has a son or daughter moving away from home to discuss fire safety with them.

There can be a greater risk of fire within shared rented accommodation and people should check to ensure there are working smoke and heat alarms.

Everyone should also make sure there are no bars on the windows and that they can be easily opened from the inside, and check for fire resisting labels on the furniture. Furniture made before 1988 may not be match or fire-resistant.

ACO Ramsay added: “People’s actions have a big impact on the chances of a fire starting or causing injuries or deaths.

“We want students to recognise that if you have consumed alcohol then your decision-making and judgement will be impaired, putting you and other residents at higher risk from fire.

“Choosing never to cook while under the influence of alcohol is a key step that will significantly reduce the risk of a tragedy.

“Similarly, anyone who is under the influence of alcohol should avoid smoking while sitting down, as it’s too easy to nod off and start a fire with potentially horrific consequences.”

In halls of residence, false alarms are a particular concern. Most emergency fire calls to student accommodation are false alarms caused by carelessness and negligence.

Having to attend false alarms risks lives, as firefighters may be delayed in getting to a real emergency where every second is critical.

The SFRS student safety leaflet – which also contains simple tips to avoid false alarms caused by cooking, smoking materials, candles, steam from bathrooms and more – can be downloaded below:

students___young_people

To join Scotland’s fight against fire and book a free home fire safety visit text ‘fire’ to 61611, call 0800 0731 999, or visit the SFRS website to complete an online form.

SFRS marks First World War anniversary

As people commemorate a century since Britain entered the war some basic precautions will ensure candles mark those lost without causing further tragedy.

On the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War senior Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) officers have paid their respects to those who lost their lives in the course of the devastating conflict.

The United Kingdom entered the war on Tuesday 4 August 1914 following Germany’s invasion of Belgium. Around 17 million people were killed during one of the most destructive wars ever fought.

SFRS Chief Officer Alasdair Hay said: “The devastation of the First World War touched every community and it’s right that we pause to mark a century since the beginning of this terrible episode in history.

“Many firefighters were military reservists and so they were called up by the army or the navy, and over the course of the war many others either volunteered or were conscripted into military service.

“Of course, as with their colleagues from all other walks of life, many of these men would never return home to their families.

“The commemorative events taking place around the world today are very significant to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and our thoughts must go to the awful impact the First World War had on everyone involved.”

As a mark of remembrance the Royal British Legion is encouraging people to turn off their lights for an hour tonight, leaving a single light or candle on for a shared moment of reflection.

Lights Out is a national initiative running from 10pm to 11pm – exactly a century since the UK’s ultimatum for Germany to leave Belgium expired.

Foreign Secretary Sir Edward Grey famously remarked: “The lamps are going out all over Europe. We shall not see them lit again in our lifetime.”

As the First World War progressed the government took steps to ensure communities at home still had the fire cover they needed, with firefighters added to the list of reserved occupations not liable to conscription.

With people throughout the country preparing to commemorate the anniversary by taking part in the Lights Out remembrance campaign, SFRS is reminding everyone to take extra care with their candles.

Assistant Chief Officer (ACO) Lewis Ramsay, director of prevention and protection and chair of the SFRS Heritage Committee, said: “Many of us will be marking the 100th anniversary of World War One tonight by taking part in the Lights Out event.

“Firefighters served throughout the war and the sad fact is many who did were among those killed or seriously injured as a result.

“Our aim as the fire and rescue service isn’t to discourage anyone from taking part in this national moment of reflection, but we do want to remind people to take some simple precautions if they are planning to light a candle.”

ACO Ramsay continued: “Candles do pose a significant fire risk so it’s vital we all use them correctly and safely.

“It’s important to think about where they are placed. They should always be away from curtains and out of the reach of pets and children.

“Most importantly, remember to extinguish your candles if you leave the room – it only takes a moment for a fire to start.

“We urge every household to have working smoke alarms and test them every week. We also provide free home fire safety visits and fit smoke alarms where required.”

More information on candle fire safety is available on the SFRS website www.firescotland.gov.uk

People can join Scotland’s fight against fire and request a free home fire safety visit by calling the SFRS freephone number 0800 0731 999, texting ‘check’ to 61611 or by contacting their local fire station.

Kitchen fire sparks safety warning

Fire chiefs are reminding the public to stay safe while cooking following a kitchen fire in a Dumbiedykes Road flat last night. A man was treated for minor burns and smoke inhalation at the Royal Infirmary following the incident, and firefighters discovered that the flat did not have a working smoke alarm.

Station Manager Steve Harkins said: “Many kitchen fires happen when people are not paying attention or they leave things unattended but there are several things you can do to prevent fires in the kitchen.

“Don’t leave pans unattended. Take them off the heat if you have to leave the room. Fire starts when your attention stops. When you have finished cooking, make sure the cooker or oven is turned off.

“The kitchen can be the most dangerous place in the home. Fire can cause damage not just to your property, but more seriously can put family and loved ones at risk.

“The property did not have a working smoke alarm. We would encourage anyone who doesn’t have a smoke alarm to have one fitted immediately. Smoke alarms save lives. If you don’t have one then call Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and arrange a free Home Fire Safety Visit and we will provide you with a smoke alarm free of charge. It could save your life.

“Home fire safety visits only take around half an hour and are delivered by firefighters from your local community. If you or someone you know could benefit from a visit, please join Scotland’s fight against fire and request a visit by calling the SFRS freephone number 0800 0731 999, by texting ‘check’ to 61611 or by contacting their local fire station.”

Kitchen Safety

More fires start in the kitchen than in any other room in the house. Here’s some advice to help you stay safe.

General cooking

Make sure your home has working smoke alarms. Consider fitting a heat alarm in your kitchen

Make sure your cooker is or has been fitted properly by a qualified fitter

Keep your oven, cooker and grill clean and make sure there’s no fat on it

Keep tea towels, cloths and kitchen paper away from the cooker

Keep fats and oils away from the cooker

Cook with handles turned to the side to avoid them spilling

Use a flameless lighter on gas cookers instead of matches or a lighter

You should never:

Hang or dry clothing and towels on or near the cooker

Leave your cooker, grill or oven on when you go out – even on a timer

Leave electrical wires or cords near the cooker

Keep anything on top of an eye-level grill

Put anything metal in your microwave – even tin foil.

Chip pans and deep-frying

Modern electric deep fat fryers are much safer than traditional chip pans as they have a safety switch that cuts them off to stop them overheating and catching fire.

Try not to use a traditional chip pan if you can because there’s always a high risk of fire. If you do use a traditional chip pan, follow our safety advice:

Only ever fill one third full

Turn the handle to the side – but not over any of the other cooker rings

Fry in small amounts – overfilling could cause spills

Make sure food going in it is dry, not dripping wet or covered in ice.

You should never:

Deep fry when you’ve been drinking alcohol or taking drugs or if you are feeling tired

Leave the pan alone – It only takes a second for a fire to start.

Other kitchen appliances

Washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers have powerful parts that heat up, any of which could start a fire if something goes wrong. Follow our safety advice:

Always switch appliances off at the wall before going to bed or going out

Always plug straight into a wall socket and avoid adaptors for lots of plugs as they can result in electricity overloads

Never Leave them running when going out or to bed.

Open fires and stoves

Keep all furniture at least three feet away from your fire

Put the fire guard up if you feel sleepy

Let fires burn down before going to bed – and don’t forget to put the guard up

Keep the guard up at all times if you have children or pets

Have your chimney swept at least once a year – twice if you use it lots

Check your hearth regularly – if it’s cracked, have it fixed professionally

You should never:

Leave a lit fire unattended without a fireguard

Use flammable liquids like barbecue lighter fuel to light a fire

Throw flammable liquids or spray cans onto the fire

Use building or packing timber as firewood – it’s very sparky

Dry clothes over or in front of the fire – they could catch light

Place mirrors over the fire – people stand too close and risk setting clothes on fire

For stoves, you should also:

Replace any cracked door glass or casings immediately

Always use certified fire glass in stove doors

Use the right type of fuel (using coal in wood stoves can damage them)

Be careful not to leave flammable items like clothes and paper on top of the stove.

recipe_for_safe_cooking

A wide range of tips on how to keep yourself and your home safe from fire are available on the SFRS website: www.firescotland.gov.uk

Michelle joins Crewe Toll firefighters for Big Lunch launch

Music and TV personality Michelle McManus visited Crewe Toll fire station yesterday to hear about how The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) are supporting The Big Lunch in Scotland in 2014.

Michelle, who backed The Big Lunch in Scotland last year, met with SFRS Group Manager and Station Commander for Crewe Toll, Steve Harkins and heard how station staff across Scotland are keen to lend a hand at Big Lunches happening locally and take the chance get to know neighbouring communities better.

The Big Lunch – the UK’s annual get-together for neighbours – is funded by The Big Lottery Fund and partnered by Halifax, ASDA and StreetClub by B&Q. Now in its sixth year, the simple idea from the Eden Project aims to provide neighbours with an opportunity to get to know one another better. The Big Lunch happens on the first Sunday in June each year – this year Sunday 1 June.

SFRS Assistant Chief Fire Officer Lewis Ramsay, the Director of Prevention and Protection in Scotland, said: “The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is delighted to team up with The Big Lunch Scotland, and as part of our support for local communities, we would encourage community fire stations throughout Scotland to actively participate in local neighbourhood Big Lunch events and activities. Community groups and neighbours planning events should not hesitate to seek support and assistance from their local fire crews.”

In 2013 over 3.65 million people took part in Big Lunches across the UK, including thousands from Scotland, like Michelle, who held street parties, picnics in the park and community hall gatherings.

Local Group Manager Steve Harkins, said: “The Big Lunch is an extremely worthwhile initiative which encourages neighbours to build upon community ties. We’re very pleased to have teamed up this year as it’s a fantastic opportunity for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to engage with members of the public in a positive, meaningful way.”

Communities further afield in the Lothians and across Scotland are being encouraged to host their own Big Lunch events with their neighbours to help build community bonds and enjoy a simple day of food, friendship and fun.

Michelle said her own community is particularly friendly. She said: “I’m lucky to have so many good friends on my doorstep and I have the best neighbour anyone could wish for – he’s one of the reasons that I haven’t moved!

“We pop in to see each other for a cuppa and a catch up every few weeks or so, he’s a fantastic friend and we help each other out. That feeling of community is invaluable to me, it means you’re never lonely and you always feel safe.”

Anyone interested in taking part this year can get started by requesting a free Big Lunch pack from www.thebiglunch.com to get events off the ground. Packs contain invitations and posters to adapt for your community, as well as seeds, a bunting template and an inspiration booklet with lots of ideas and information.

All pack materials are undated so communities can have Big Lunches when best suits them if they can’t join in on Sunday 1 June.

For more information, email Emma at The Big Lunch in Scotland on emma.smith@thebiglunch.com

or telephone 0141 559 5066.

Girl hospitalised following Gypsy Brae fall

A ten year old girl was treated in hospital following a fall from a zip line at Gypsy Brae on Sunday night.

Firefighters from Crewe Toll, Tollcross and Newcraighall responded to reports that a 10 year old girl had fallen from a zip line at Gypsy Brae, off West Shore Road at around 9pm.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s line rescue specialists lowered themselves down to reach the girl and secured her to a stretcher before lifting her to safety.

The child suffered a suspected broken arm and was attended by Scottish Ambulance Service staff before being taken to Royal Sick Children’s Hospital for treatment.

Three hospitalised following chip pan fire

A man, a woman and a young child were taken to hospital this morning (1 March) following an early morning chip pan fire in Elbe Street.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) Watch Manager Stuart Sinclair, the incident commander, said: “A fire in an unattended chip pan had caused a large amount of smoke to fill the kitchen and other parts of the flat.

“Firefighters in breathing apparatus quickly put out the flames using a fire blanket and fire-fighting hose reel and our crews provided oxygen therapy to the woman and the child who had suffered smoke inhalation and to the man who had suffered smoke inhalation and burns.

“Thankfully this home was protected by a working smoke alarm and the residents of the flat were able to get out. A neighbour, on hearing the alarm, called 999.”

After receiving treatment by firefighters at the scene, the man, woman and child were assessed by ambulance personnel before being taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for further treatment.

SFRS ADVICE:

Traditional chip pans are known to be a fire risk and SFRS has urged anyone who still uses one to consider switching to a modern electric fryer, which will have a safety switch to prevent it overheating.

If you’re tired, have been drinking, or taking drugs, don’t cook. You will be less alert to the signs of fire, and more likely to fall asleep.

Firefighters are also clear that working smoke alarms save lives and buy time for crews to tackle fires before heat, smoke and flames can spread throughout a home.

People have also been asked to consider fitting a heat alarm within the kitchen – the room where most house fires start.

Free home fire safety visits only take around half an hour. A key part of the Join Scotland’s Fight Against Fire campaign, they have proven immensely popular with more than 56,000 completed across the country last year.

Anyone who thinks they or someone they know – like an elderly relative, friend or neighbour – could benefit from the expert advice of firefighters from their own community should call 0800 0731 999 or text ‘check’ to 61611.

People can also fill out a form at www.firescotland.gov.uk or contact their local community fire station.

Child rescued after Royston wheelie bin blaze

A three year old girl escaped serious injury when she was rescued after a wheelie bin was pushed against the door of a house in Royston and set on fire yesterday morning.

The three-year-old girl was lowered from a window into the arms of bin men who were working in Royston Mains Crescent. Firefighters then arrived shortly after the alarm was raised at 7.30am, leading a 35-year-old woman to safety.

Neither the woman nor the child required hospital treatment, but the Fire Investigation Unit is now investigating the incident.

A spokeswoman for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “A bin had been placed against the front door of the property and set on fire. We used two breathing apparatus and one hose reel to extinguish the fire.

“A three-year-old female was lowered from the window into the care of bin men who were nearby prior to the arrival of the fire service and a 35-year-old female was led to safety by firefighters. They were treated at the scene by the ambulance crew but they didn’t go to hospital.”

5 November: fewer bonfires but rise in attacks on firefighters

Fewer bonfires in the East but a rise in attacks

This year saw a reduction in the number of bonfires attended by fire and rescue service personnel in the east of Scotland (the former Central, Lothian and Borders and Fife areas) but disappointingly there was increase in attacks on firefighters.

Group Manager Steve Gourlay, Edinburgh City area said: “The work in advance of 5th November with our Council and Police Scotland colleagues ensured a large amount of combustibles were removed before they could be set alight and potentially cause disruption, impacting on the availability of our resources.

“The arrangements for the night itself involved the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) Community Action Team for the City working in the local areas with Police Scotland and Council Environmental Warden colleagues to assess bonfire safety issues, give advice and where required request SFRS resources. Six dual crewed SFRS/Police Scotland teams covered the neighbourhood areas with further police resources also being deployed as required. Early indications are that this approach has lessened the burden on vital frontline SFRS resources and improved the safety of Edinburgh communities.

“Unfortunately our crews were subject to verbal and physical abuse, with bottles and stones being thrown at our vehicles, some equipment was also stolen from a locker of one of the appliances. Fortunately no one was hurt but this is totally unacceptable and we will work with police colleagues to identify those involved. A debrief will take place between partner agencies to ensure our joint working approach is evaluated and also to log any lessons learned which will inform our planning for next year.”

Edinburgh’s experience was replicated across the country, with a drop in the number of bonfires attended but a disappointing increase in the number of attacks on firefighters, appliances and equipment.

Assistant Chief Officer Lewis Ramsay, Director of Prevention and Protection for SFRS, said: “This year we issued a call to action for everyone in our communities to Join Scotland’s Fight Against Fire. By acting safely and responsibly and attending organised displays, the public have made Scotland safer than ever before.

“SFRS front-line crews, control room and support staff have worked tirelessly over what is traditionally the busiest period of the year for the fire and rescue service. In addition the efforts of local authorities, Police Scotland, education, public and voluntary sector partners have been vital in ensuring the safety of the public, while our media partners have been essential in spreading potentially life-saving messages.”