Tag: Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

Celebrating 20 years of Citizen Firefighter

A special ceremony honours Citizen Firefighter, Scotland’s tribute to firefighters’ past and present  

On June 17, 2001, the statue was unveiled on the corner of Gordon Street and Hope Street in Glasgow City Centre.

Commissioned by a group from Strathclyde Fire Brigade, Scottish artist Kenny Hunter created the bronze sculpture to recognise the contribution and celebrate the work of firefighters’ past and present and for their services to the community.

On Thursday, June 17, Chief Officer Martin Blunden led a Long Service Good Conduct ceremony at the statue. This was followed by a rededication ceremony led by the Service’s chaplains. 

Speaking at the event, Chief Officer Martin Blunden said: “Citizen Firefighter sits proudly outside Glasgow Central Station and over the last 20 years, it’s been a focal point for residents and visitors to the city.

“In 2014 and 2018 following the fires at the Glasgow School of Art, the statue held messages around its neck in the Mackintosh script to thank firefighters and to represent a beacon of hope.

“Today, we recognise the statue’s 20th anniversary with a rededication and Long Service Good Conduct ceremony, as we celebrate and reflect on that time.”

The Long Service Good Conduct medal is awarded to Firefighters throughout the UK after 20 years’ service. Group Commander Lorna Yuill was part of Maryhill Fire Station’s Green Watch in 2001, who hosted Kenny to give him an understanding of the fire service and the work firefighters do.

Group Commander Yuill accepted the medal on behalf of Citizen Firefighter at a ceremony that took place outside Glasgow Central Station. 

Chief Officer Martin Blunden continued: “A lot has changed in Scotland over the last 20 years, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for formed from eight legacy services and there have a number of notable incidents. 

“Now, we’re asking people to take part in a public consultation on our draft long-term vision and help influence the way the Service evolves over the next ten years.

“I would like to encourage you to read our vision document. I would like 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 you can read more about it here. 

Mother who tragically lost her son warns of dangers of open water

The mother of a young man from Fife who tragically lost his life last summer at a local beauty spot is warning of the dangers of open water.

Keivan Ulhaq, 20, had been socialising with friends at Lochore Meadows, known locally as ‘The Meedies’, when he entered the water on a Saturday evening last June.

His mum Sheena Ulhaq says that despite him being a strong and active young man he got into difficulty.

Sheena, who lives in Cowdenbeath with Keivan’s eight siblings and husband Nisar, wants to prevent anyone else going through the tragic events of June 20 last year.

She said: “Keivan was happy go lucky and he loved life. He doted on his younger brothers and sisters. We all miss him so much.

“On the day he died I remember the weather was really nice and I was at home decorating.

“He had gone to The Meedies with some friends, but the water was still freezing cold despite the weather.

“Keivan was really active and was always doing back flips, especially if we were at the beach then he’d do back flips into the water.

“But that day he struggled despite being a six foot big strapping lad. He suffered cold water shock and had a cardiac arrest.

“It’s really important that people are aware of the dangers of open water because I wouldn’t want this to happen to anyone else.

“I’m so grateful for all the support I’ve had, since Keivan died, from everyone who knows the family and I thank them from the bottom of my heart.”

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was alerted to the incident at Lochore Meadows last June and mobilised two appliances and a water rescue unit to the scene to assist emergency service partners. 

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Alasdair Perry said: “We are grateful to Sheena for speaking about her story, and the tragic circumstances in which Keivan lost his life, to improve the safety of others.

“We want people to stay safe around water this summer. However, our crews regularly respond to emergency calls from people in difficulty who need to be rescued.

“We all like heading outdoors at this time of year, but unsupervised water can be extremely dangerous.

“Open water can become very cold just a few feet under the surface and can cause cramps or Cold Water Shock meaning your strength and ability to swim deteriorates rapidly.”

Since Keivan’s death, SFRS has worked with partners to install new water safety signs and lifesaving throwline equipment at Lochore Meadows to protect the public.

Sheena Ulhaq is also raising funds for more equipment, including a defibrillator.

Station Commander Michael Gemmell, based in Fife, said: “What happened to Keivan was a tragedy and it’s devastating for everyone who knew him.

“Unless you are fully trained, competent and equipped to enter water courses, keep a safe distance from water.

“This isn’t about spoiling anyone’s fun, it’s about preventing anyone else from needlessly losing their life.”

Visit the water safety page in the Your Safety section on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website for information on how to stay safe.

Care & Repair home assessment service will improve safety for Edinburgh residents

Care & Repair Edinburgh, part of the Age Scotland family, is launching a home assessment service to help older people and those living with disabilities live as safely and comfortably as possible in their own homes.

The new service includes a free room-by-room home assessment by the charity’s Independent Living Adviser (above), who will create a report of recommendations for improvements in safety, accessibility and comfort.

Typical recommendations may include replacing faulty electrical items, fixing door thresholds, removing frayed rugs or other trip hazards, draught-proofing wooden windows and doors, and improving accessibility through the installation of handrails, ramps and key safes. 

Following the home assessment, a full report will be available to allow clients to review any recommendations and discuss with family members. Care & Repair Edinburgh may also be able to carry out some of the work client wishes to progress, either free of charge where eligible or at a subsidised rate for larger repairs and installations.

Allison Strachan, Head of Care & Repair Edinburgh, said: “Although lockdown measures are easing gradually, people are still spending large amounts of time at home and therefore it is very important that the home environment is as safe, comfortable and accessible as possible.

“This new service will allow older people and those living with disabilities in Edinburgh to continue to live safely and comfortably in their own homes for as long as they want and are able.

“Arranging a free home assessment can offer much-needed peace of mind and we would encourage eligible Edinburgh residents to get in touch to find out how Care & Repair Edinburgh can assist them.”

https://twitter.com/i/status/1402620469476528133

The free home assessment service has been researched in collaboration with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and is possible thanks to generous funding from Bank of Scotland Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation and Greenshoots Fund.

Bookings will be taken from Monday 14 June onwards, with the first appointments for home assessments available from Monday 19th July.

To arrange your free assessment, please contact Care & Repair Edinburgh on 0131 3371111 or visit www.crew.scot for more information.

VERY HIGH risk of wildfire warning in place across Scotland

A VERY HIGH risk of wildfire is in place across all parts of Scotland until Tuesday 1 June, the country’s fire and rescue service has warned.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS)has urged people who live within or who may enter rural environments to exercise caution.

The ‘very high’ warning –released in conjunction with the Scottish Wildfire Forum (SWF) – remains in place from Sunday 31 May until Tuesday 1 June.

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

Area Commander Bruce Farquharson, the SFRS Wildfire Lead, 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.”

Are you interested in a career in the fire service?

Scotland’s national 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.

An exclusive session is being held for members of the LGBT+ community this week.

Liz Barnes is the Director of People and Organisational Development for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. She 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.”

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the information sessions moved online last year. Next month, they continue with a dedicated LGBT+ event on Thursday (6 May) 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 to 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: 

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lgbt-information-session-tickets-152107711259

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, they will be announced shortly.

Firefighters tackle blaze at Debenhams on Princes Street

More than 30 firefighters are working to extinguish a large fire at the Debenhams building on Princes Street.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was alerted at 1.23pm this afternoon to reports of a fire on the ground floor of the building.

Operations Control immediately mobilised four fire engines and an aerial appliance to the scene.

Crews wearing breathing apparatus entered the building where the fire was found to be within the ground and lower ground floor and a further four appliances were mobilised.

No casualties have been reported. Crews remain on the scene and are expected to do so for some time as they work to make the area safe and extinguish the fire.

SFRS issues extreme wildfire warning


An extreme risk of wildfire is in place across East and North-east of Scotland today and will be in place until Thursday, March 25. 

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has urged people who live within or who may enter rural environments to exercise caution to help lower the chance of a wildfire starting. 

The extreme warning has been released in conjunction with the Scottish Wildfire Forum (SWF).

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

SFRS Area Commander Bruce Farquharson 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.”

One third reduction in deliberate fire-raising incidents

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service says there is no room for complacency

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service mobilised firefighters to a total of 2,491 incidents of deliberate fire-raising between March and April 2020 compared to 3,658 incidents in 2019 – a 32 per cent reduction.

The figures were released as the Service launches its annual Spring Safety campaign.

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Alasdair Perry, SFRS Head of Prevention and Protection said: “While any reduction in the number of deliberate fires is welcomed, we simply cannot be complacent.

“Deliberate fires have the potential to cause injury and even death or cause devastating damage to our environment and properties.

“One deliberate fire is one too many – they are a needless drain on emergency service resources at a difficult time.”

The data shows how deliberate fires in Spring last year included 379 in the city of Glasgow (a decrease of 42%) 329 in North Lanarkshire (a decrease of 41%) and East Renfrewshire, Inverclyde and Renfrewshire 188 (decrease of 43%).

Most reported fires took place outdoors and were set in either grassland or rubbish and refuse, however some incidents also included vehicles and even buildings.

The significant reduction also coincided with Scotland’s first Covid-19 lockdown which introduced restrictions on movement which continue into Spring 2021.

DACO Perry said: “Last year we saw restrictions put in place on social movement, and this year is no different as we continue to tackle this pandemic.

“As well as limits on how far people can travel, we also know that schools, clubs and community groups are affected or unable to open due to Covid-19 restrictions.

“Our firefighters and community action teams have been and will continue to work extremely hard to engage with the public and promote safety messages.

“But as we cannot conduct school visits or engage with young people directly through clubs and groups, I would ask parents, guardians and carers to help by making sure that children and young people are aware of the risks and consequences of deliberate fire setting.

“It is vital we continue to remind people that deliberate fire setting is a crime and a criminal record can affect future life and job opportunities – a price that can be easily avoided.”

Anyone with information about deliberate fire-raising should contact the free and confidential Crimestoppers helpline on 0800 555 111.