Tag: Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

Scottish Government launches fire safety law change awareness drive

Campaign urges homeowners to install interlinked alarms to protect lives

Homeowners are being urged to install interlinked heat and smoke alarms in a nationwide media campaign launched before new fire safety laws come into effect next year.

From February all homeowners will be required to have interlinked alarms under legislation brought forward after the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017. These alarms significantly reduce casualties by alerting everybody in a property to a fire. Most homes will also require a carbon monoxide alarm.

Private rented and new-build homes must already meet these standards, but from February they will apply to every home in Scotland, regardless of age or tenure.

The cost for an average three bedroom house which requires three smoke alarms, one heat alarm and one carbon monoxide detector is estimated to be about £220. This is based on using the type of alarms that can be installed by the homeowner, without the need for an electrician. The Scottish Government is providing £500,000 to help eligible older and disabled homeowners with installation, in partnership with Care and Repair Scotland.

Housing Secretary Shona Robison said: “One death from a house fire is one too many, and improving fire safety remains our utmost priority.

“In February Scotland will become the first UK nation to require every home to have interlinked fire alarms, which significantly reduce the risk of injury or death. If there is a fire in one room it will set off alarms throughout the property, giving residents more time to escape.

“Homeowners are generally responsible for paying for works to protect their property, but we know some may not be able to meet the cost of fitting these alarms. That is why we are providing £500,000 to help disabled and older people, on top of the £1 million we have already provided to the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service to install alarms in owner-occupied homes identified as being at highest risk.”

Alasdair Perry, Head of Prevention and Protection at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Having the earliest possible warning of a fire in the home can and has saved lives and property. Having interlinked alarms installed will allow everyone, anywhere in the house to take action as quickly as possible.

“The Scottish Government has provided financial support to our Home Fire Safety Visit programme, which will allow us to fit to the new standard in the homes of those identified through our robust criteria as being at higher risk. However, if we go to any property that has no detection, we will still provide a battery-operated stand-alone smoke detector and advise the occupant about the new standard for the fire and smoke alarms required by the legislation in all Scottish homes.”

Robert Thomson, National Director of Care and Repair Scotland, said: “Care and Repair Scotland has assisted older and disabled homeowners in repairing and adapting their homes since 1988.

“Therefore, we are pleased to be administering the fire alarms assistance package for lower-income older and disabled homeowners. This funding will support our overall aim to help homeowners live independently and safely at home for as long as possible.”

Fire and Rescue Service issues urgent water safety warning

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to stay safe in and around water this summer. The reminder has been issued following the deaths of six people in Scotland’s waterways between Friday, July 23 and Saturday, July 24. 

This included the recovery of a 16-year-old from the water at Balloch Country Park on Friday, July 23, an 11-year-old from the Alexander Hamilton Memorial Park in Stonehouse on Saturday, July 24, and a 13-year-old from water at Hazelbank, near Lanark on Sunday, July 25.

On Saturday, July 24, a further three people lost their lives in water near Pulpit Rock, Ardlui. They were a 41-year-old man, 29-year-old woman and a nine year old boy, while a seven year old boy remains in hospital in intensive care.

Alasdair Perry is the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Deputy Assistant Chief Officer and Head of Prevention and Protection.

DACO Perry said: “I would like to offer my sincere condolences and those of everyone at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to those affected by this weekend’s tragic events. 

“They are a very sad reminder that Scotland’s waterways can be dangerous, and we are asking everyone to take care and heed all available advice.”

Many people have chosen to visit lochs, rivers, and reservoirs due to the warm weather.

However, despite high temperatures, the water can still be extremely cold and people can get into difficulty due to cold water shock. This can interrupt breathing, cause loss of strength and coordination and affect swimmers of any age, fitness, or experience level.

Scotland’s many waterways can also have hidden dangers such as fast moving currents or obstacles which can also present a risk.

DACO Perry advises: “If you do get into trouble, try to keep calm then control your breathing. Lie on your back, spread out your arms and legs and float or swim. Then shout for help and, if you can, make your way to safety. 

“We would ask that no-one swims alone and that, where you can, have the proper buoyancy and safety equipment. Never leave children or young people unattended and do not mix alcohol with swimming.”

Water Safety Scotland is a voluntary association of organisations and individuals whose main purpose is to understand the risks around water in Scotland and engage with partners to develop a consistent approach to the prevention of water related fatalities.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is a member of that group.

DACO Perry added: “We are committed to working with our partners and through Water Safety Scotland to educate as many people as possible about the risks involved in swimming or playing in water.

“In coming weeks, we will be conducting more visits to popular areas to engage with swimmers and visitors directly. “I would urge people to visit our website to find out more about how to stay safe.”

For more information on water safety see: https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/water-safety.aspx

Wildfire warnings issued across Scotland

A very high risk wildfire warning has been issued in Scotland from Saturday, July 24 until Monday, July 26. 

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) issued the warning and is urging people who live within or who may enter rural environments to exercise caution. 

The alert – released in conjunction with the Scottish Wildfire Forum (SWF) – covers Easter Ross, Central Highlands,and South West Scotland. A moderate to high warning is also in place for Central and Western Scotland. 

Wildfires have the potential to burn for days and devastate vast areas of land and wildlife; and threaten the welfare of nearby communities. 

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Alasdair Perry is head of prevention and protection for SFRS. He said: “We are asking the public to exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame. 

“Many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause significant damage. 

“Livestock, farmland, wildlife, protected woodland and sites of special scientific interest can all be devastated by these fires – as can the lives of people living and working in rural communities. 

“These fires can also have a hugely negative impact on the environment and the release of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. 

“Human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting, so it is crucial that people act safely and responsibly in rural environments, and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.”

Cold Water Shock: Float to Live

Cold water shock affects your ability to breathe or swim, and leads to drowning. It can affect even the strongest swimmers.

All waters around the UK are cold enough to induce the cold shock effects, even in high summer.

More info: https://rebrand.ly/qpzfccl@RLSSUK@rnli@rospa

The term ‘cold water shock’ refers to a range of natural reactions that our bodies take to protect us when we enter cold water (although these reactions can sometimes work against us). And with cold water being anything from approximately the temperature of a swimming pool and below, we are not just talking about icy cold water here.

So what are the effects of Cold Water Shock?

There are three stages that your body goes through during cold water shock, starting with one that you will be familiar with a mild version of from getting into the swimming pool…a gasp for breath, this is then followed by rapid breathing (hyperventilation).

At the same time as your breathing goes out of control, your blood pressure shoots up as your body tries to keep your blood warm by moving it towards the middle of your body (this is why you go pale when you’re cold).

Once your breathing is back under control, this is your window to get out of the water before the further effects of cold water shock kick in.

As your muscles cool, your strength, endurance and muscle control reduces to the point when you can’t swim any longer so can’t rescue yourself. The point at which you can’t swim any more is called ‘swim failure’, and if you haven’t got out of the water or managed to get hold of a buoyancy aid (like a lifejacket) by this time, you will drown.

What about hypothermia?

There is a lot of talk of people dying from hypothermia after falling into cold water, but the truth is that unless they have a way of surviving past the point of swim failure (like wearing a lifejacket), you will drown before you become hypothermic.

Even in really cold water, it takes at least 30 minutes for you to become hypothermic. Crucially, hypothermia remains a risk even when you get out of the water unless you get out of the cold and warm up efficiently and quickly.

Is cold water shock really responsible for lots of drownings?

It is difficult to identify if cold water shock was the cause of a drowning or not, but this is what we know:

  1. All waters around the UK are cold enough to induce the cold shock effects, even in high summer.
  2. Over 60% of drownings are of people who have ended up in the water by accident, so they’re normally very close to the edge, but something stops them from being able to get out safely.
  3. A sudden rise in blood pressure can be fatal for people with a pre-existing heart condition. Each year a number of people who are suspected of drowning, turn out to have had a heart attack.
  4. Studies show that people’s ability to swim in cold water is much less than their ability in a warm swimming pool.
  5. Survivors of drowning have described how the effects of cold water shock made it difficult for them to survive.

What should you do if you fall into the water?

First, keep your mouth away from the water until you have your breathing back under control, you can do this by rolling onto your back and floating or paddling to stay at the surface.

Then, don’t waste any time and swim towards an exit before your muscles start to cool, or swim towards something that will help you to stay afloat whilst you are calling for help.

Finally, once you are out of the water re-warm yourself as soon as you can to avoid hypothermia.

Drowning Prevention Week is the national campaign run by the Royal Life Saving Society UK to cut down the number of drownings that occur each year. Please support RLSS UK by donating to help save lives

Prof Mike Tipton, Cold Water Shock

Professor Mike Tipton of the University of Portsmouth provides an excellent insight into the effects of cold water, why it can be dangerous and what can be done to keep yourself safe.

Warning: this video will save lives. 

Public asked to have their say on changes to workplace automatic fire alarm response

A consultation on proposals to change the response to workplace automatic fire alarm (AFA) signals has been launched by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS). These alerts result in more than 28000 call outs each year, with only two per-cent of all incidents resulting in a fire.

The potential options for responding to AFAs are outlined in a consultation document ‘Time for Change: Reducing Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals’ (UFAS) and the public are being encouraged to take part and give their views.

The twelve-week consultation will seek views on three proposed options – developed in partnership with staff and stakeholders – to allow the SFRS to use its resources more effectively in future.

Chief Officer Martin Blunden explained why change is needed: “We undertake in the region of 57,000 unnecessary blue light journeys every year responding to workplace AFAs that turn out to be false alarms. This brings risks to our crews, other road users and pedestrians as well as having an impact on the environment with an estimated 575 tonnes of carbon emissions produced.

“In almost all cases they are false alarms and only two per-cent result in fires, many of which are often extinguished before we arrive. In changing our response to these calls, we can use SFRS resources more effectively, including further improving our response to genuine emergencies. We can also use this time for more training and fire prevention activity, as well as realising the knock-on benefits of improving road safety and reducing our carbon impact.

“It will also mean less disruption to businesses as they no longer need to wait for us to attend to give the all clear after an AFA.

“What I also want to be clear on is that there is no change to how we respond to AFAs that are confirmed fires or from private homes, this consultation is about changing our response to workplace AFAs only.”

The consultation brings the SFRS into line with how the majority of UK fire and rescue services respond to workplace AFAs explained Chief Officer Blunden: “The legal responsibility for dealing with an AFA alert lies with the duty holder of a property and most UK fire and rescue services now seek confirmation of a fire before attending.

“Current SFRS practice means that every AFA has an average response of two fire appliances involving at least nine firefighters. Each call takes on average 15 minutes and workplaces and businesses face disruption while firefighters enter the building to confirm on ninety-eight per cent of occasions there is in fact no fire.”

He stressed the scale of the current practice saying: “If we can change how we respond to these alerts potentially 64,000 hours of staff time can be freed up for other activities, including responding even more quickly to genuine emergencies.  That’s why we are consulting with the public and key stakeholders to seek their views on the best way to respond to these types of alerts in future.”

Chief Officer Blunden added: “Each of the options will see a significant reduction in the number of UFAS calls we attend. We want to know what you think of our three proposed options so please read the document and have your say on how you think we can best use our resources to keep you, your family and your community even safer.”

The consultation document and survey can be accessed online at

 https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/consultations/ufas-consultation.aspx 

until Monday, October 11.

A report based on analysis of the consultation responses – including a preferred option – will be considered by the SFRS Board in December 2021. Any changes to service delivery will be implemented from early 2022 in a carefully managed process and in partnership with directly affected stakeholders.

The three options being consulted on are:

Option A – 61% reduction in attendances

Our Operations Control (OC) will call challenge all AFAs from non-domestic premises, unless exempt

  • No response is mobilised, if questioning confirms there is no fire, or signs of fire
  • Sleeping risk premises are exempt from call challenging and will receive the following immediate response:
    • Residential Care Homes receive a pre-determined attendance (PDA) of two fire appliances regardless time of day
    • All other sleeping risks receive a PDA of one fire appliance between 0700-1800hrs and two fire appliances out-with these hours

Option B – 85% reduction in attendances

Our OC staff will call challenge all AFAs from non-domestic premises.

  • No response will be mobilised, if questioning through call challenge confirms there is no fire, or signs of fire. 
  • No exemptions to call challenging apply (i.e. all AFA calls received are call challenged, regardless of property type and caller).

Option C – 71% reduction in attendances

Non-attendance to AFAs from non-domestic premises. 

  • Our OC staff will advise the caller that we will not attend unless a back-up 999 call confirming fire, or signs of fire is received. 
  • Property types recognised by us as having sleeping provision will be exempt and therefore they will receive the following immediate response to an AFA:
    • Residential Care Homes will receive a PDA of two fire appliances regardless of the time of day
    • All other sleeping risks receive a PDA of one fire appliance between 0700-1800hrs and a PDA of two fire appliances out-with these hours

Wildfire warning this weekend

Warm weather and rising wind speeds forecast for this weekend have increased the risk of surface fires across Eastern Scotland. 

The wildfire danger assessment has been issued by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service today (Friday, July 16) in conjunction with the Scottish Wildfire Forum (SWF). 

These surface fires could burn and spread with moderate to high intensity over Saturday and Sunday. 

In Easter Ross, Inverness-shire and Morayshire, there could be very high fire intensity with wind speeds the highest on Saturday. 

Area Commander Bruce Farquharson, the SFRS Wildfire Lead, said: “We are in the height of summer and with the warm forecast for the weekend it could bring with it the potential for wildfires, which can devastate vast areas of land and wildlife.

 “As always, we would urge people who live within the high risk regions to be extremely careful. 

“Please act safely and responsibly if you are out and about over the next few days.” 

Follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which can be found on the SFRS website.

Operation Boxy: policing the Pentlands

Operation Boxy will run in the Pentland Hills Regional Park from 5 July to 31 July 2021 and will focus on the Edinburgh side of the hills: Bonaly Country Park, Harlaw, Torduff, Clubbiedean and Threipmuir reservoirs/areas.

This Operation involves partnership working between Police Scotland, the Pentland Hills Regional Park (PHRP) team, Scottish Water and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

The purpose of the Operation is to combat anti-social behaviour and encourage responsible access and use of the Pentland Hills, including the reservoirs.

There will be daily patrols during this time where Police Officers and PHRP Officers will engage with members of the public with the purpose of education and prevention – but, where necessary, there will be enforcement of the law.

To report any criminal issues please call 101, 999 in an emergency, and advise the call handler that the call relates to ‘Operation Boxy’.

Using the ‘what3words’ smartphone application is proving extremely effective in pinpointing exact locations.

Visiting reservoirs in the Pentland Hills

Please follow our advice on how to access reservoirs safely and responsibly:

Be safe: reservoirs are dangerous places to swim – read our safety advice and be aware of the risks. Note Blue-green algae bloom warnings.

www.pentlandhills.org/safety/safety-reservoirs.

Be considerate: keep clear of anglers – do not enter the water or let your dog in the water near anglers fishing from the bank and do not approach boats in the water. A fishing line can be cast out several metres from the angler.

Share the space: remember whatever your chosen activity is, either on the water or on the reservoir shores, that you share this space with others. Respect each other and give each other space.

Leave no trace: always take your litter to the nearest bin or home with you.

Respect wildlife: reservoir shores and islands are often preferred locations for some ground nesting birds. Avoid nesting sites during the breeding season (Apr-Jul), tread carefully and do not linger if birds sound repeated alarm calls.

#RespectProtectEnjoy

Help shape the future of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is appealing to the people of Scotland for their views on the future direction of the services it provides to make the country an even safer place to live, work and visit.

Chief Officer Martin Blunden is urging the public and stakeholders to take part in the consultation ‘SFRS – Long-Term Vision’ – which closes on Sunday 18 July – and help influence the way it evolves over the next ten years. 

The consultation vision document explains four key principles the SFRS wants to focus on over the next decade along with eight priorities it wants to achieve.

The consultation comes against a backdrop of a steady decline in household fires since the SFRS was formed almost ten years ago.

During the same period the country has witnessed an increase in weather related events such as wildfires and severe flooding, both of which are linked to climate change.

One of the proposed priorities in the consultation is achieving Carbon Zero status to reduce the impact on the communities the SFRS serves.

Chief Officer Blunden explained why the consultation was needed, saying: “While our immediate environment is changing and we need to respond to this in terms of the services we provide, I also want our fire and rescue service to evolve and have an increasingly positive impact on the health and wellbeing of our communities.

“We’ve been encouraged by the responses we have received so far and I would urge people to submit their views before the consultation closes. I want to hear what you think – positive or negative – as well as understand what’s important to you too so that you, your family and your community feels safe and protected. We want you to achieve a safer Scotland for all, together.”

The consultation runs until Sunday, July 18 and can be accessed here.

Respondents are invited to answer a short survey and give their views on the vision document ‘SFRS – Long-Term Vision’.

Responses to the consultation will be used to inform the final vision document that will set out the future direction of the SFRS.

Outdoor fire safety message pitched at campers

Safety advice to prevent avoidable fires in the Scottish countryside is being pitched at campers this summer.

Warmer weather and the increased numbers of people visiting the countryside as pandemic restrictions ease create a greater risk of fire.

Not using candles in tents or never leaving camp fires unattended are just some of the tips being highlighted for a safer summer.

The advice comes as new data shows the number of grass fires more than doubled in some parts of Scotland last summer, such as Aberdeenshire & Moray and Highland – see table below.

A nationwide increase of nine percent was recorded, with incidents going up across Argyll & Bute, East and West Dunbartonshire, East Lothian, Midlothian and Scottish Borders, Edinburgh City, Stirling, Clackmannanshire and Fife, as well as Aberdeen City.

Between June 22 and August 24, 2020, fires affecting grassland, woodland and crops went up from 656 total incidents in 2019 to 712 in 2020.

Many outdoor fires are started deliberately or are due to careless or irresponsible behaviour.

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Alasdair Perry, SFRS Head of Prevention and Protection, said: “We want people to enjoy spending time outdoors, but it’s important to create a safe environment for you, your loved-ones and the surrounding environment because even small fires have the potential to turn into a wildfire.

“Before lighting any outdoor fires, check for any restrictions or permissions required by the landowner and make sure you use a fire safe pit or container that can be properly extinguished before you leave.

“The vast majority of us wish to keep our country beautiful, but litter can seriously injure wildlife and items such as glass bottles in strong sunlight have the potential to start a fire. Remember to keep your area tidy and always clear up when done.”

There are also other dangers associated with camping as DACO Perry continued:

“Be aware that fire destroys tents very quickly, so use torches instead of candles.

“Never take a portable or disposable barbeque inside a tent to cook or to use as a heat source because Carbon Monoxide is also a potential risk.

“And gas barbeques should also be used in a well-ventilated area.”

Those choosing to go away in caravans for a staycation are also being reminded to have a working smoke alarm fitted.

A fire in a caravan or mobile home spreads much more quickly than it would in a house or flat and there are on average almost 100 caravan fires in Scotland every year.

Summer also brings with it the temptation to swim outdoors, but lochs, rivers and reservoirs also pose a risk to those enjoying nature.

Cold water shock can leave people gasping for breath and it’s potentially fatal. Therefore, the advice is to avoid unsupervised waterways.

More safer summer advice can be found online at: 

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

Don’t forget – if you’re leaving your home for an extended period of time this summer, remember to switch off electrical appliances before you set off.

All grassland, woodland and crop fires:

LSO Area24/06/2019 to 26/08/201922/06/2020 to 24/08/2020
Aberdeen City2327
Aberdeenshire, Moray2765
Angus,Dundee City, Perth & Kinross5555
Argyll & Bute, East Dunbartonshire, West Dunbartonshire1322
Dumfries & Galloway158
East Ayrshire, North Ayrshire, South Ayrshire7756
East Lothian,Midlothian, Scottish Borders4246
East Renfrewshire, Inverclyde, Renfrewshire3830
Edinburgh City5982
Falkirk, West Lothian8174
Glasgow City5452
Highland3265
Na h-Eileanan Siar, Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands22
North Lanarkshire3324
South Lanarkshire3731
Stirling, Clackmannanshire and Fife6873
TOTAL656712

Police Scotland and partners launch safer roads initiative

Road users in Edinburgh are being asked to consider how safe they are as part of an initiative launched yesterday by road policing officers in the city.

Police Scotland is working with a number of partners, including Lothian Buses, Road Safety Scotland, David Philp Commercials, Cycling Scotland, and Cycle Law Scotland, to encourage everyone to be more aware.

As part of ongoing operational work, it is aimed at helping all road users, including cyclists and pedestrians, and is focused on thinking about distances, blind spots and visibility.

Sergeant Jill Kirkpatrick, of Police Scotland’s Road Policing Team in Edinburgh, said: “We are encouraging everyone to think about how visible and safe they are. I believe that many people are unaware just how much the driver of a large vehicle, such as a lorry or a bus, cannot see because of blind spots. Even a small vehicle has blind spots.

“Visibility is very important in terms of making our roads safer and I would like everyone, including pedestrians, to think about how they are seen, especially if a street is poorly lit after dark. From the cab of a lorry visibility is very different to that of a bus, car, motorbike or cycle.

“I cannot emphasise enough the need for all road users to look out for each other and give each other space. Unfortunately, when a collision happens it is often a pedestrian, cyclist or motorcyclist who come off worse.”

Sarah Boyd, Operations Director, Lothian Buses, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Police Scotland and other key stakeholders to raise awareness around visibility and potential blind spots on our roads.

“Our driver training covers all aspects of road safety including the awareness of cyclists, pedestrians and other road users and we welcome the opportunity to be involved in this campaign.”

Jodi Gordon, Partner at specialist law firm, Cycle Law Scotland, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Police Scotland’s safer roads campaign. Every day we speak to individuals who have been injured as a result of a road traffic collision, often caused by drivers who have failed to observe the pedestrian, cyclist and motorcyclist at junctions.

“All road users should be looking out for each other at these pinch points and so anything we can do to help educate people has got to be a positive thing.”

Scottish Fire & Rescue Service Watch Commander David Morrison, said: “The Scottish Fire & Rescue Service welcomes the opportunity to support this initiative and work with partners to improve the safety of all road users in the Edinburgh area.

“By working to improve awareness and encouraging everyone to think about safe distances, blind spots, visibility when on or around our roads we can make our roads safer for everyone.”