North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority

NORTH YORKSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE AUTHORITY

Report of the Deputy Chief Fire Officer/Director of Community Safety & Service Delivery

10th September 2008

COMMUNITY SAFETY UPDATE

1.0 PURPOSE OF REPORT

1.1 To update Members on community safety activities.

2.0 INTRODUCTION

2.1 This report provides an update on community safety activities in terms of progress towards achieving the vision of 125 alive. The delivery of community safety facilities is organised around prevention, protection and intervention activities, with the objective of delivering a service which best supports the Authority’s Vision and underpinning Corporate Plan Targets.

3.0 PREVENTION SERVICE

3.1 Summary of Prevention Activity

3.1.1 The table below shows a summary of the annual prevention activities for the period April 2007 to March 2008 with the April 2006 to March 2007 figures provided for comparative purposes. These activities impact directly on Corporate Plan Targets CPT1, CPT2, CPT5 and CPT6. These are the confirmed year end figures for 07/08.

Apr 07 to Apr 06 to Mar 08 Mar 07

Number of Smoke Detectors fitted 7453 8043 Home Fire Risk Assessment Completed 6224 6894 Firesetter Referrals 52 47 Community Safety Events 3836 3190

3.1.2 The following table provides a summary of prevention activities for the period April 2008 to June 2008 and the comparative period for the previous year. These activities impact directly on the fire related Corporate Plan Targets CPT1, CPT2, CPT5 and CPT6.

Apr 08 to Apr 07 to Jun 08* Jun 07

Number of Smoke Detectors fitted 592 1549 Home Fire Risk Assessment Completed 1348** 1272 Firesetter Referrals 15 16 Community Safety Events 837 918

* The first quarter figures for 2008 are provisional outturn figures. ** Despite a higher level of home fire risk assessments being completed there has been a drop in the number of smoke detectors fitted. This situation is being reviewed and may be as a consequence of most homeowners now have a smoke detector(s) (ORS survey showed 91% of respondents own one or more smoke detectors in North Yorkshire). 3.2 Prevention Developments

3.2.2 Local Intervention Fire Education (LIFE)

LIFE project evaluation continually shows a reduction in anti social behaviour for the majority of young people involved in the scheme.

Harrogate Safer Communities Partnership supported a course at Ripon Fire Station in July. Seven young people successfully completed the course and initial evaluation from both the young people and referring agencies has been very positive. This partnership has requested a further course in November for young people from the Harrogate area.

Four further courses have been booked for North Yorkshire Integrated Youth Services at Kirkbymoorside and Huntington stations together with a follow up scheme which will be piloted for these courses.

3.2.3 Young Firefighters

On Friday 30th June 2008 the Young Firefighters from Selby undertook a team building weekend at Caythorpe Hall near Grantham in Lincolnshire. The Young Firefighters took part in outward bound activities together with sports and problem solving activities and all thoroughly enjoyed the weekend. The scheme instructors have noticed an improvement in the groups team working skills and following the summer break the young people will continue with their B-tech qualification in Basic firefighting.

Funding for the weekend was raised by the Selby Young Firefighters in various ways which included the young people applying for a Government grant by completing a written bid themselves detailing the purpose of the funding.

The Young Firefighters Scheme has developed and expanded over the past few years and is currently being reviewed to ensure the facility provided supports the corporate objectives and community safety strategy. The review will ensure consistency across the schemes currently operating, highlight good practice and assess resource requirements/implications and partnership opportunities.

3.2.4 Home Safety Risk Assessments

As part of the Home Risk Assessment programme crews are able to reduce the risk to occupiers by replacing potentially dangerous equipment. This facility ensures vulnerable members of the community are safeguarded from basic domestic hazards. To date the following items of equipment have been replaced:

 Deep Fat Fryers 3253  Trailing socket extensions 3482  Single Electric Blankets 1242  Double Electric Blankets 1632

The funding for this equipment was initially provided by DCLG as part of its “Innovations” programme. Now that the grant support has been withdrawn, a limited budget has been made available to support this facility. The decision to continue with this programme was based upon the outcomes of an evaluation of the “Innovations” programme. The provision of these products is limited and the assessment process is used to identify high risk premises that warrant such action. 4.0 PROTECTION SERVICE

4.1 Summary of Protection Activity

4.1.1 The table below shows a summary of legislative fire safety inspections carried out for the period April 2008 to June 2008 and for the equivalent period in 2007. Owing to the number of inspections being demand-led and different in complexity, it is not appropriate to set this information against a target.

Apr 08 to Apr 07 to Jun 08 Jun 07 Total legislative hours done 4304 5750 Specialist Officers hours 3268 4009 Ops crews hours 1036 1741

The deliver of fire safety advice and legislative enforcement activities is monitored within the Community Risk function to ensure optimum efficiency in delivering protection activity. Following a workload assessment capacity to deliver protection activity has been reduced by approximately 10% as part of the establishment review.

4.2 Protection Developments

4.2.1 Fire Safety Training

A review of work undertaken by the Fire Safety training managers role has taken place with an initial report produced highlighting areas for improvement. A new action plan has also been drafted which incorporates training for development stage fire-fighters, and workbooks linked to the ‘Learn-Pro’ IT facility introduced. Successful Assessment Centre candidates for uniformed management posts will be provided with specific Fire Safety training opportunities dependent on their existing skills. The revised programme supports the acquisition and maintenance of fire safety skills, which is linked to National Occupational Standards and ‘competent’ pay rates.

Succession planning has been considered as part of the revised approach to training and highlighted the need for additional Fire Investigation training in order to maintain existing facilities over the next few months.

Specialist Fire Safety courses are included in the training strategy and will build a greater knowledge base within the organisation amongst Fire Safety Advisors, two courses are planned for this year. Continued development of Fire Safety Advisors is to be supported by the Fire Protection Association and the provision of update Seminars are planned throughout this financial year.

Quality Assurance processes are also being strengthened through the Fire Safety monitoring programme. Refinement of the programme will assist the organisation to maintain a consistent approach to legislative Fire Safety work and provide qualitative data above and beyond the existing facilities.

4.2.2 Fire Safety Enforcement Activity

Enforcement activity undertaken by the Fire and Rescue Authority under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 between 1st April 08 and 30th June 08 includes:

 Statutory Alterations Notices - 0  Statutory Enforcement Notices - 18  Statutory Prohibition Notices – 6 4.2.3 Prosecution - Mezze Cafe Bar, 24 Station Parade, Harrogate

Fire Safety officers inspected licensed premises at 24 Station Parade, Harrogate on 27th November 2007. A number of serious fire safety deficiencies were found that resulted in the owner being served with a statutory Prohibition Notice to restrict the use of parts of the premises and a statutory Enforcement Notice to remedy the Fire Safety deficiencies.

Further inspections revealed that the Prohibition Notice had been breached and the Enforcement Notice had not been complied with. As a result the owner appeared at Magistrates Court on 1st August 2008 and pleaded guilty to two offences under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety Order) 2005. He was fined £1,500 and costs of £500 were awarded.

4.2.4 Arson Investigation

Fire investigation officers attended two separate fires which occurred at 43 Gap Road Hummanby Gap, Filey. Their findings formed part of the evidence in the case prepared by North Yorkshire Police against the owner Mr. John Soar. The officers that conducted the fire investigation were called to appear at York Crown Court to give evidence on behalf of the prosecution. Mr. Soar was subsequently found guilty of charges of arson relating to the endangerment of life. The professionalism and expertise of the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service staff involved in this case was highly praised by the prosecution legal team.

4.2.5 Firex North

The Fire and Rescue Service has been invited to speak at the Firex North conference at the Harrogate International Centre which is being held on the 21st and 22nd of October 2008. The invitation provides an opportunity for the Service to make a keynote speech to business owners and suppliers of fire protection systems with a view to emphasising the benefits of early consultation in the risk management process. At the same time the opportunity will be taken to highlight the benefits of the wider use of sprinkler systems in both commercial and domestic premises. Additional benefit will be gained by the Service as a survey of conference attendees will highlight the level of understanding regarding owner/occupier responsibilities in relation to the Regulatory Reform Order. This will help to guide the Service in delivering advice and support to the local business community.

5.0 INTERVENTION SERVICE

5.1 Notable incidents

5.1.1 Incident No. 08-03535 14th May 2008 Property Fire – Barkers Fish & Chip Shop, Richmond

Fire appliances from Richmond, Colburn, Bedale, Reeth and Leyburn attended a fire at Barkers Fish & Chip shop in Richmond. The fire spread through the terrace building causing 70% severe fire damage to the ground floor and was started by faulty electrical insulation.

5.1.2 Incident No. 08-03815 24th May 2008 Moor Fire – Grassington Moor

At 1217 hours crews attended a 200 acre moorland fire on Grassington Moor. Crews used hose reels, large jets, water bowser, light portable pumps and beaters to bring the fire under control. Fire service personnel returned to the scene to carry out regular checks.

5.1.3 Incident No. 08-04025 30th May 2008 Cricket Pavilion on Fire – St George’s Road, Harrogate Crews from Harrogate, Knaresborough and Tadcaster attended a fire at the Cricket Pavilion, St George’s Road, Harrogate. The fire spread through the two storey timber construction causing 70% severe fire damage to the pavilion.

5.1.4 Incident No. 08-04054 01st June 2008 RTC Fatality – Vehicle hit a tree, Carrholme Bridge, Alne Road, Tollerton

On the morning of the 1st June two fire appliances from Easingwold and Acomb attended an RTC involving five teenagers aged between 17 and 21 whose Vauxhall Corsa had left the road and hit a tree. Fire Service personnel used hydraulic cutting gear to release the occupants of the vehicle. The accident resulted in four people being transported to hospital and one fatality.

5.1.5 Incident No. 08-04171 5th June 2008 Chemical spill – BCB Environmental Ltd, Marston Business Park, Tockwith

Fire Service personnel from Acomb, Ripon, Harrogate arrived at BCB Environmental Ltd to a report of a chemical spill. Twenty six 200 litre drums containing Stibine were leaking toxic gas. On arrival at the scene a 60 metre cordon was put in place and the Environment Agency and Health & Safety Executives were informed. The company were already working with the Environment Agency to safely dispose of the leaked chemical and to stop any further leakage from the drums and no further action was required by fire crews.

5.1.6 Incident No. 08-04336 11th June 2008 RTC Fatality – Crossroads, A66, Gilling West

In the early evening of the 11th June fire appliances from Richmond and Colburn attended a two vehicle RTC at the crossroads in Gilling West. One driver was out of the vehicle when crews arrived at the scene and the three casualties, a male driver and two female passengers in the other vehicle aged in their 70’s and 80’s were released using hydraulic cutting gear. The two elderly ladies were air lifted to hospital by RAF Bulmer Search & Rescue Helicopter, where they were both confirmed as fatal.

5.1.7 Incident No. 08-04812 29th June 2008 RTC Fatality – Beck Hole, Beck Hole Lane, Goathland

Fire appliances from Whitby and Lythe were mobilised to a single vehicle RTC at Beck Hole, Goathland involving two teenage male casualties. Upon arrival at the incident the male driver was confirmed as fatal and the passenger was taken to James Cook hospital with life threatening injuries.

5.1.8 Incident No. 08- 04858 30th June 2008 Special Service Rescue – Two girls stuck on island in lake

Fire Service personnel were mobilised to The Lakes, Hopper Hill Road, Scarborough. The Swift Water Rescue team from Whitby rescued the two teenage girls who were trapped on an island in the lake after being abandoned by two boys in a dingy.

5.1.9 Incident No. 08- 04955 4th July 2008 Flat Fire – Person Rescued, Leeds Road, Harrogate

Firefighters from Harrogate and Knaresborough rescued a 32 year old when her house in Leeds Road, St Georges, Harrogate caught fire. The cause of the fire was a burning grill pan. 5.1.10 Incident No. 08- 05147 12th July 2008 RTC Fatality – A1 Catterick to Leeming

At 0702 hours crews from Bedale, Colburn and Richmond attended a single vehicle RTC on the A1 Southbound, Catterick to Leeming Bar. The 21 year old occupant of the Peugeot 306 was pronounced fatal at the scene.

5.1.11 Incident No. 08- 05225 15th July 2008 Rescue – Lord Rosebury Public House, Westborough, Scarborough

In the afternoon of the 15th July a 59 year old drunken male fell 4 metres off a pub wall into an external cellar sustaining serious head injuries. Crews from Scarborough Fire Station rescued the casualty and left him in the care of paramedics.

5.1.12 Incident No. 08- 05501 25th July 2008 Personnel verbally abused at incident- Centurion Close, Catterick

Fire Service personnel from Colburn attended a report of a property fire in Centurion Close, Catterick. The property owners were away on holiday and neighbours were concerned a lamp left on would cause a risk of fire. Whilst in attendance at this incident a local resident carrying a chip pan approached the officer in charge to ask for a replacement chip pan. The female became verbally abusive and threw the contents of her chip pan at the appliance when the officer explained they do not carry these items. Police were called to the scene and the resident was arrested for a public order offence.

6.0 IRMP ACTION PLAN PROPOSAL UPDATE

6.1 Esk Valley & Selby Area Service Provision Reviews: Both reviews have concluded and a report on the finding was presented to the A&PRC Committee in June this year. Both reviews identified that the current emergency cover provision provided in the relevant areas is appropriate and should be maintained. The reviews identified that the standard mechanisms such as the capital programme and workforce development plan will provide the necessary means by which the facilities can be maintained and where necessary developed. The A&PRC endorsed the findings of both reviews and requested that the Fire Authority be updated as to the outcome of the reviews. Following this meeting a communication plan is to be put in place to feedback the review findings to the relevant stakeholders.

7.0 INTERVENTION DEVELOPMENTS

7.1 New Appliances

At the end of June personnel from Community Risk visited Emergency One, the company building the new appliances for NYFRS. A new cab design has been adopted which gives more storage space in the cab and a considerable amount of work went into the design to make safe and efficient use of the extra space. The new appliances will start arriving in North Yorkshire by Mid October and will be operational shortly after.

7.1.1 Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV) Strategy

The PPV strategy has recently been reviewed by members of the Community Risk team. The first stage of the PPV training is that all appliances that have a PPV fan will be trained or remain restricted to post incident deployment for the time being. A training plan has been developed that will see all two pump stations trained to use the fans in a defensive capacity over the next two years. Subsequent to that, the use of the PPV fans will be introduced in an offensive capacity.

7.1.2 Regional Control Centre (RCC) - Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Convergence

Work is ongoing within the region to ensure that all North Yorkshires activity SOP’s will be in the correct format for convergence. The process for creating, reviewing and amending risk assessments, activity SOP’s and equipment SOP’s is under review.

7.1.3 NYF&RS Extrication Team

Following an intensive training programme the North Yorkshire FRS team attended the National Road Traffic Collision Extrication competition in Stirling on the 22nd and 23rd of August. The competition was attended by 42 Fire and Rescue Services from across the Country. The North Yorkshire team exceeded expectations and came 4th in the event, qualifying the team to enter the World extrication team competition next year. Added to that achievement Station Manager Andy Young achieved individual success and was judged to be the best Incident Commander.

The team plan to pass on their knowledge on to NYF&RS road traffic collision instructors in the autumn. Additionally the team will assist in the evaluation of new road traffic collision equipment and make recommendations for change. By using the team in this manner, NYF&RS has been able to invest in the most efficient road traffic collision equipment currently available for their new appliances

7.1.4 NYF&RS response to open water incidents.

The Swift Water Response Teams (SRT) based at Richmond and Whitby continue to provide an enhanced technical response capability to reports of persons trapped in rivers and lakes etc. The teams are currently scheduled to undertake a dedicated training course addressing how to effectively rescue persons trapped in vehicles in open water. In support of the development of the Services’ swift water rescue capability the Richmond team are developing a working relationship with the Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team. This new partnership will enhance the response to incidents in this area and increase the safety of the community of Swaledale.

8.0 NEW DIMENSION/CBRN UPDATE

8.1 Enhanced Command Support Vehicles: The training for Tadcaster personnel involved with the Enhanced Command Support Vehicle project has been delayed due to demands upon the DCLG training team causing some slippage in the training delivery schedule. The training is now set to take place in October.

9.0 MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS

9.1 The Communications and Media Team have recently sent press releases out which cover a variety of Community Safety topics including; child safety week, water safety, warnings about arson attacks, the latter being in response to such incidents in the Easingwold and York areas. Likewise specific media releases have been used to highlight the importance of smoke alarms following a serious property fire in Harrogate.

9.2 The team have also been supporting local managers in raising awareness of the capabilities of Community Safety Vehicles (CSV). This included a feature in the July edition of the staff newsletter Call Out about a successful training and awareness event held in Scarborough.

9.3 In support of the IRMP Action Plan the Communications and Media Team have carried work on the first phase of consultation for the City of York Service Provision Review, including preparing a background information leaflet, questionnaire and press release. The documents will support the consultation phase of the project which is due to commence in October this year.

10.0 RECOMMENDATION

10.1 That Members note the report.

C ANDERSON Deputy Chief Fire Officer

Background Documents There are no background documents to this report.

Brigade Headquarters Thurston Road NORTHALLERTON North Yorkshire DL6 2ND

15th August 2008