Tag: Scottish Fire and Rescue 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 …

https://twitter.com/i/status/1323996210043228161

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service 999 operator wins prestigious Spirit of Fire Award

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Control Watch Manager, Linda Coughlan, has won a prestigious Spirit of Fire award at a virtual ceremony held by The Fire Fighters Charity and introduced by His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge.

Winning the Supporter of The Year: Control Room Staff award at the Charity’s virtual awards ceremony, Linda was recognised for her years of selfless support of the Charity. Organising events, volunteering, raising awareness and doing everything she can to raise funds for the Charity, Linda’s award was announced on the night by Dame Katherine Grainger DBE, Britain’s most decorated female Olympian .

His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge introduced The Fire Fighters Charity’s virtual Spirit of Fire Awards via a recorded video message.

Opening the ceremony The Duke spoke of the challenges faced by fire service personnel in the wake of Covid-19, reiterating why it’s so important that they know where to turn when they need support themselves.

The Duke also announced the winner of the evening’s first award– the Special Recognition Award for Excellence in The Field of Mental Health – which was awarded to Shilla Patel, Inclusion Manager at London Fire Brigade.

A further 13 awards were announced by a host of famous faces over the course of the evening, including: Brian May CBE, Michael Sheen OBE, Dame Julie Walters DBE, Clare Balding OBE, Simon Day, Reverend Kate Botley, Jason Watkins, Adam Hills, Les Ferdinand MBE, Susanna Reid, Maddie Moat and Greg Foot.

The Spirit of Fire Awards recognise the fundraising and awareness-raising achievements of members of the UK’s fire services community in their support of The Fire Fighters Charity, as well as the courage of the Charity’s beneficiaries in the face of personal adversity.

Usually held in London, with a reception at No.10 Downing Street, the coronavirus pandemic meant that the Charity took the awards ceremony online in 2020 for the first time.

The Fire Fighters Charity Chief Executive, Dr Jill Tolfrey, said of Linda’s Supporter of The Year: Control Room Staff award: “I am delighted that Linda has been recognised for her remarkable, lifelong support of The Fire Fighters Charity.

“She is a true ambassador for the Charity in Scotland and works tirelessly to both raise funds and ensure that her colleagues across the Service know that the Charity is here to help them if they need it. Congratulations Linda.”

Stop our area becoming a firework hotspot

CRIMESTOPPERS have launched their annual campaign aiming to tackle firework misuse and deliberate fire-setting, and to encourage people to contact them 100% anonymously if they know or suspect someone is involved.

The campaign is supported by the Scottish Government’s Building Safer Communities team.

Firework misuse can have a massive impact on communities in Scotland, with some local areas experiencing ongoing and sustained anti-social behaviour and risk to life linked to fireworks.

In some communities people may be afraid to engage with those responsible for anti-social behaviour for fear of being targeted, which is why our anonymous service is so valuable.

The Crimestoppers campaign omplements two national Scottish Government campaigns, and provides extra support for areas in Edinburgh, Glasgow and West Lothian which have experienced higher levels of firework misuse. These communities have been involved in the preparation of the campaign.

National Manager for Crimestoppers in Scotland Angela Parker explained: “With no public displays this year, some communities could be at increased risk of serious firework misuse and deliberate fire-setting.

“Firework misuse puts people, property and pets at risk, so we have worked closely with a range of partners to devise a campaign that will enable local people to fully understand the law around misuse of fireworks, and the penalties.
 
“Last year, our charity in Scotland received 63 pieces of information that helped prevent attacks, fire-setting and serious misuse, so we know, together we can make Bonfire Night safer for everyone.”

Ash Denham MSP, Minister for Community Safety, said: “The Scottish Government’s ambition is for all of Scotland’s communities to be safe places for everyone to live, work and enjoy. We all have a part to play in making that vision a reality.

“Misuse of fireworks can be hugely damaging and distressing and will not be tolerated. I would encourage anyone who witnesses or has information about criminality relating to fireworks to report it so that action can be taken to prevent further harm to our communities.   

“Crimestoppers’ unique reporting service allows people to provide information about crime entirely anonymously. By using this service people can help to prevent, detect and solve crime within their local community.”

The campaign is also complemented by a youth programme, Fearless.org, raising awareness among 11-18-year-olds about the risks, and encouraging anonymous reporting about planned attacks and deliberate fire-raising.

https://youtu.be/oK6J6-CpfhI

Underage sales of fireworks

We are also encouraging people to let us know about anyone who’s selling fireworks to underage people.

In Scotland, it is illegal to sell outdoor fireworks to anyone who is younger than 18 years old. And it is illegal to sell indoor fireworks (such as sparklers) to anyone who is younger than 16 years old.

Other contact numbers

In an emergency: contact Police or Fire on 999
Non-emergency: Police Scotland 101
Underage sales: Scotland Trading Standards Office (and for unsafe or unlicenced storage by shops and dangerous fireworks)

If you know or suspect who is misusing fireworks or causing deliberate fires in your area, or selling them illegally, you can contact Crimestoppers 100% anonymously.

Your computer’s IP addresses are never traced and no-one will ever know you contacted us. For telephone calls, we have have no caller line display, no 1471 facility and have never traced a call.

CALL ANONYMOUSLY ON 0800 555 111 OR GIVE INFORMATION ONLINE HERE

Fire Service warns of fireworks danger as public displays cancelled

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is underlining the dangers of fireworks as large scale public events including organised displays are being cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Families and communities are being reminded that bonfires and the private use of fireworks can cause significant injury and present a particular risk to children, and can also upset pets.

This type of activity can further impact on the emergency services – firefighters attended more than 2,300 deliberate fires during the four-week period leading to Bonfire Night 2019.

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer (DACO) Alasdair Perry is the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Head of Prevention and Protection. He said: “First and foremost we would urge all of our communities to follow advice and guidelines around social distancing to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

“We know this means that people may consider hosting their own events this year but we would urge caution around doing so because every year people are injured by fireworks and admitted to hospital – and children are particularly at risk.

“This is already a traditionally busy period of the year for ourselves and our partners and it is very important that we maintain an ability to respond to other emergencies.

“We are therefore strongly encouraging anyone who does wish to host a private event to reduce the risk by ensuring to familiarise themselves with our firework code and fire safety guidance. Do not take risks because the consequences can be devastating.”

November 5 is traditionally a busy night for the SFRS. Last year, Operations Control received 882 calls from members of the public and crews also responded to more than 350 bonfires within an eight-hour period – with six recorded attacks on firefighters.

DACO Perry said: “We know it’s a very small minority of people who engage in anti-social behaviour, but there’s no question it can impact on our firefighters and Operations Control colleagues as well as our partners.

“A deliberate fire can also put property, resources and indeed lives at risk so it goes without saying that we will always take a zero-tolerance approach to fire-setting and attacks on our crews.”


The safety message was also backed by Community Safety Minister Ash Denham (above), who said: “Bonfire Night this year is going to feel very different and at this usual time for celebration I urge everyone to follow to the Scottish Government’s public health guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19).

“It is absolutely vital the public adhere to the rules on meeting up with other households to help stop the spread of the virus.

“The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and all emergency service workers have my complete support, particularly over the busy bonfire season.

“If you are planning to use fireworks please ensure you do this responsibly and safely and follow the appropriate advice on the SFRS website.” 

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is continuing to proactively work with communities across Scotland to highlight the dangers and this includes engaging with young people.

DACO Perry continued: “We are proud to work with young people wherever possible and open up positive pathways to them through initiatives like our Youth Volunteer Scheme.

“I would encourage others to consider initiatives like the YVS which not only teaches fire safety advice but equips young people with skills and ambitions for future success in life, learning or employment.”

For more on how to stay safe this Bonfire Night follow our fireworks code at:

https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/media/2241286/sfrs_bonfires_v2.3___ah___digital.pdf