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Featuring ‘On The Bell’ The Journal Of The Emergency Services IN ATTENDANCE Government announces shake up of Fire & Rescue Services Fire Brigades will be told to cut costs as part of a major shake-up of the way they are run after Home Secretary Theresa May announced she was taking over responsibility for the service. The Home Secretary, who earlier pushed through controversial policing reforms, said she was “determined” to improve efficiency in fire and rescue services. Mrs May said that Fire services have poor procurement, IT systems and buildings management, and indicated she plans to introduce an independent inspectorate as well as order routine performance data to be published. The Home Secretary, who pushed through controversial policing reforms, said she was “determined” to improve efficiency in fire and rescue services. It comes as the government prepares accountability in fire as we now have to give police and crime commissioners in policing. We need to go further still Home Secretary Theresa May (PCC’s) responsibilities for fire and rescue though. I am struck by the fact the authorities where a case is made locally fire and rescue service doesn’t have an But the Fire Brigades Union has following a consultation earlier this year. independent inspectorate and does not criticised the plans for police and crime All three emergency services will also be routinely publish data on performance. commissioners to take over fire authorities. forced to look at ways to work together Local people need these things to hold “Enabling PCCs to govern fire and rescue to improve efficiency, including through their local public services to account. And services will neither deliver economic, sharing administration systems to cut from my experience fire has the same efficient or effective emergency services costs. problems as policing in terms of poor not optimise public safety,” the Union Mrs May said: “I look at the fire and rescue procurement, ICT and management of said in a pamphlet on its website. On service and I see the need for many of buildings.” the contrary, these proposals threaten to the same reforms that I started in policing damage the well-earned trust of the public Mrs May said “I’d like to bring the same in firefighters, hamper innovation and will five years ago. Better local accountability, collaborative approach we’re seeing in more transparency and a relentless focus lead to the fragmentation of emergency policing to fire services too. But, at the services delivery across the UK.” on efficiency. So, while I continue to finish same time, I think fire and rescue services the job of reform in policing, I am also have things to teach the police too. The PCCs “do not bring any skills or determined to properly kick start the job of extraordinary success of fire-fighters exeprtise” to the service and some have reform in fire.” preventative work has hugely reduce the an “unfortunate record for ill-judged The Home Secretary continued: “We’ve number of fires and saved countless lives. interference in operational matters”, it already set out its proposals to allow PCCs I want to police to focus on prevention added. Matt Wrack, General Secretary of to take over fire and rescue authorities to achieve the same results in regard to the FBU, accused PCCs who supported the - this will provide direct, democratic crime.” move of “empire-building”.

The firm is in the process of contacting number of units affected consumers, who were warned will be affected, Tumble Drier not to leave their appliances unattended but at this stage, and to clean fluff from the filter after each we cannot fire risk use. In “rare” cases a build-up of lint can speculate regarding come into contact with the dryer’s heating the specific figure. element, which could pose a fire risk, the These products warning manufacturer explained. Customers can were marketed A number of Hotpoint, Indesit and check online if their appliance is among in the UK and a Creda tumble dryer owners have those affected by keying in the model and number of other countries over the past been warned that their appliances serial number on the Indesit website. 11 years, so we would expect a fairly large number of them to be affected.” may pose a fire risk. Two types of A safety warning on the Indesit and tumble dryers, condenser and vented Hotpoint websites said: “In some rare The warning came after an investigation dryers, manufactured by Indesit, cases, excess fluff can come into contact by Whirlpool into dryers sold by Hotpoint were sold under the three brands in with the heating element and present and Indesit between April 2004 and the UK and other countries over the a risk of fire.” An Indesit spokesman September 2015. The US appliance giant last 11 years. told ITV: “We estimate that a significant acquired the Italian firm last year.

2 | IN ATTENDANCE Spring 2016 www.inattendance.co.uk In AttendanceSpring 2016 Avon Fire & Rescue Service THE MAGAZINE OF THE BRITISH FIREFIGHTER News from around the Service ...... 4 & 5

North East Emergency Medical Responder Scheme Blue light services join forces to launch scheme ...... 6

Cleveland Fire Brigade Diploma success for 19 site protection officers ...... 7

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service Countdown to new combined Fire & Rescue Service ...... 8 Featuring ‘On The Bell’ The Journal Of The Emergency Services Precept agreed for new Fire and Rescue Service ...... 8 Front cover: The dramatic view of all floors Fire & Emergency Awards alight at Clandon Park as Surrey FRS crews battle to Excellence in Fire & Emergency Awards Supplier of the Year ...... 9 save the National Trust’s 18th Century Palladian mansion 2016 UKRO Challenge and its irreplaceable contents on 29th April 2015. See Page Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service to host 2016 UKRO Challenge ...... 10 14 for an update on plans to rebuild the historic house and West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service the ongoing debate regarding sprinkler systems in heritage West Yorkshire Firefighters tackle massive Bradford mill fire ...... 11 properties. Photograph: courtesy of Paul Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Service Burgman. Hertfordshire remembers largest fire in peacetime Europe ...... 12 Firefighters visit the University of Hertfordshire ...... 13

Consulting Editor National Trust Clandon Park Palladian Mansion • Neil Wallington 18th Century National Trust house to rise from the ashes ...... 14 Managing Director • Christine Elliott Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Production New tyre strategy pays off...... 15 • Sharon Williams Design & Layout London Fire Brigade • Ryan Wilson London’s worst peacetime loss of LFB Firefighters ...... 16 • Brian Leatherbarrow Dagenham crews move into new fire station ...... 17 Admin • Jane McCormack Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service • Christine Praxitelous Fire Service helps local paper highlight Halloween costume danger ...... 18

All editorial, advertising and circulation Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service enquiries to: Fire service awarded ‘Excellent’ status in equality assessment ...... 19 Gateacre Press Ltd. Tribute to long-serving on-call firefighter ...... 19 Bilail House 260 Picton Road Report from Dubai Wavertree Another serious Dubai tall tower fire causes concern...... 20 Liverpool L15 4LP Report from Dubai Civil Defence ...... 21 Telephone: 0151 734 3038 Facsimile: 0151 734 2860 Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service Email: [email protected] Help shape the future of your Fire and Rescue Service ...... 22

© The Publishers of ‘In Attendance’ wish to thank Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service all advertisers for supporting the magazine to enable its production for the Fire Brigades and Successful partnership protects residents from fire ...... 23 Services in Great Britain. However, it must International Tall Building Fire Safety Conference be understood that the space is purchased from the Publishers and not the Fire Brigades Chicago to host the Conference in 2017 ...... 26 concerned. All Our Yesterdays PHOTOGRAPHS Some classic Dennis Fire Engines of past years ...... 27 Whilst every care is taken to ensure high standards of photographic reproduction in ‘In Attendance’, we regret that we cannot guarantee the reproductive quality of images from non-professional sources. ISSUE No. 21601 4 10 11 AVON FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE Crews test working at height skills elderly gentleman who had fallen over the small fence at the edge of the path and tumbled down the embankment injuring himself.

“Watch Manager Hartshorne assumed the role of Incident Commander and led the crews through a level one safe working at height exercise. The simulation was an opportunity to work closely with HART, evaluating aspects of both our incident command systems and our interoperability.”

The exercise objectives included testing the use of safe working at height level one procedures and equipment, First Person on the Scene (FPOS) skills and casualty handling, a retrieval plan in the event of vertical line rescue being unavailable and the Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Programme (JESIP). Firefighters from Avon Fire & Rescue Service’s Exercise Slip Knot involved a scenario in Patchway and Avonmouth fire stations which an elderly man was in need of rescue recently teamed up with the South Western after falling in the Blaise Castle Estate, Ambulance Service Foundation Trust’s Bristol. Hazard Area Response Team (HART) Watch Manager Andy Perry, who devised for an exercise focusing on safe working at the exercise, said: “The exercise commenced height. with the crews being presented with an

It’s the first time that a member of staff from Prestigious sporting AF&RS has received the award. New award for Patchway In a letter, Eddie Gutteridge, the honorary president of Fire Sport UK, writes: “Awarded face for firefighter to Rob Atkin for 2015 for winning the Fire Service Marathon Championship held An Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) Avon Fire within the Snowdonia Marathon on four Firefighter has been presented with a consecutive occasions. No fire service athlete prestigious award for sporting excellence. Authority has achieved this distinction in the history of On Thursday 5 November Firefighter Rob our championship. The Snowdonia Marathon The new Clerk to Avon Fire Authority has Atkin, who is on Red Watch at Patchway Fire at Llanberis is considered the toughest in the been appointed. Station, was presented with the Peter and Eve UK. A worthy winner for such an enduring Guy Goodman, who has spent his legal career Carr Memorial Trophy by ACFO Rob Davis. performance.” in local Government, will replace Geraldine The national award was established in 1995 by Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Rob Davis, said: Gee, who retired earlier this year. Fire Sport UK to acknowledge Peter and Eve “I am extremely proud to be presenting this Guy qualified with Lancashire County Council Carr’s contribution to fire services athletics. award on behalf of Fire Sport UK. Rob has in 1990 and undertook a variety of roles Firefighter Atkin has won the Fire Service always taken a keen interest in athletics and before moving to Leicester City Council in Marathon Championship, which is part of the staying fit, taking part in a number of sporting 2000 to lead on social services and education Snowdonia Marathon, for the last four years. events over the years. law. “To be recognised In 2008 Guy moved to Leicestershire Fire & for competing in an Rescue Service as their first in-house Solicitor extremely difficult and Monitoring Officer. event, not just once Since then he has been involved in a range but four times, is a of additional fire service activities nationally huge honour. AF&RS including Convenor of the Fire Lawyers prides itself on the Network, Legal Director of the United health and fitness of Kingdom Rescue Organisation, Legal Advisor its operational staff to the National Employers, Legal Advisor and we do all we on fire specific matters to the Chief Fire can to support those Officers Association (CFOA) and a Director taking part in events of CFOA Services Ltd leading on publications. outside of their Guy joined Avon Fire Authority as Clerk and working hours.” Monitoring Officer in January.

4 | IN ATTENDANCE Spring 2016 www.inattendance.co.uk AVON FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE Housing providers look to Avon Fire & Rescue Service for fire safety guidance Two housing providers in the south west will reduce the risk of a fire and protect the safety Director of Customer and Community be ensuring their homes are safe and comply of their residents. Operations at Knightstone Housing, Mark with fire safety legislation and regulation, “At AF&RS we take fire safety extremely Beard, said: “Knightstone Housing are fully thanks to a partnership with Avon Fire & seriously and are delighted to have entered committed to ensuring our residents’ homes Rescue Service (AF&RS). This is the first into this partnership. Both Knightstone and adjoining communal areas are safe and partnership of its kind in the region. Housing and Curo will be using the secure places in which to live, work and visit. Fire safety is of paramount importance to the The Service is the Primary Authority for both knowledge and expertise of our staff to organisation and by working in partnership Knightstone Housing and Curo, which provide ensure all their properties comply with the with AF&RS we seek to further improve and social housing in the AF&RS area as well as law. enhance our existing fire safety arrangements other parts of the South West. “The partnership ensures that the advice and deliver clear communications for all The partnership means AF&RS will provide and guidance they are given is consistent concerned.” the two organisations with advice and and is applied to all their buildings and Property Compliance Manager at Curo, guidance so that they can make sure their developments, even those in other parts of Wayne Baker, said: homes are safe places to live. The partnership the UK.” “Our number one priority at Curo is will also help Knightstone and Curo to ensure Fire and rescue services in England and Wales delivering outstanding customer service, their properties comply with fire safety laws can enter into partnerships with businesses, and providing safe and healthy homes is a under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) charities or other organisations which operate key part of this approach. Our team has a Order 2005. across more than one local authority fire strong focus on compliance with fire safety Head of Technical Fire Safety at AF&RS, enforcement area - becoming their single regulation and best practice, and entering Station Manager Steve Quinton, said: “This point of contact for fire safety regulation into the Primary Authority Scheme with partnership is excellent news for anyone living advice. Avon Fire & Rescue Service will help us in properties owned by Knighstone Housing The aim of the Primary Authority Partnership develop this even further. The scheme will or Curo. Not only can they be reassured that scheme is for fire and rescue services to support the continuous improvement of our the properties are built and maintained to develop effective partnerships with businesses provision and ensure the safety of customers the latest fire safety standards, it also shows that achieve a national consistency in and colleagues in our 13,000 homes across the commitment of the two organisations to delivering fire safety enforcement advice. the region.” Students get an insight into life as a firefighter

A group of students from South Gloucestershire and Stroud College in Filton, have spent the day with firefighters at Patchway Fire Station. As part of their Public Services course, the group of 22 young people were invited to the fire station to learn about the work of Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) and to try some of the skills required by firefighters. During the session with Red Watch the group tried on breathing apparatus, worked in confined spaces, ran out hose and carried a ladder. They also took part in a fitness lecture and an exercise where their vision was obscured and they had to follow a guideline around the building, negotiating stairs, doors and other hazards. It’s hoped the session will give the students an insight into the fire and rescue service and view the profession as a potential employment opportunity in the future. www.inattendance.co.uk IN ATTENDANCE Spring 2016 | 5 NORTH EAST EMERGENCY MEDICAL RESPONDER SCHEME Blue light services join forces to launch North East Emergency Medical Responder scheme A new six-month trial scheme will see NEAS Director, Caroline Thurlbeck said: difficulty in breathing, cardiac arrest and North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) “NEAS receives a new 999 call every 65 unconsciousness not due to trauma. and the four seconds, and in an emergency, seconds Fire and Rescue count. Emergency Medical Responders have been Services based in trained to enhance their existing medical the region work “During this innovative trial, an care knowledge, including basic life together to save Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) will support by managing a patient’s airway, more lives. be dispatched at the same time as an giving oxygen therapy, including assisted ambulance. Our ambition for this trial is to ventilation, delivering cardio-pulmonary Demand on the Ambulance Service improve the survival rate for those people resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation using has increased by nearly 20 per cent who suffer from a life-threatening illness a semi-automatic AED and controlling since 2007. During the past ten years, or injury in the community. The location blood loss. firefighters nationally have been attending of EMR’s within local communities could fewer fires, thanks to their successful mean they are nearer to the scene and The EMR’s are equipped with a kit which programmes of community safety can deliver lifesaving care in those first includes oxygen and an automated work. At the same time the variety and critical minutes of the emergency until an external defibrillator (AED) to help patients complexity of rescue incidents firefighters ambulance clinician arrives, enhancing the in a medical emergency such as a heart respond to has broadened along with usual emergency medical response from attack, collapse or breathing difficulties. the specialist skills needed to meet these NEAS.” challenges. These changes in activities Chief Fire Officer Ian Hayton from Latest figures show the return of have resulted in demand for FRS services Cleveland Fire Brigade said: “The spontaneous circulation to a quarter of remaining extremely high. scheme involves trained firefighters all cardiac arrests attended by NEAS in attending incidents in areas where we the region, with just over three percent of The Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) is not can reach a casualty and maintain life patients surviving to be discharged from funded to provide response to medical or reducing suffering and anxiety until a hospital. emergencies, however it is already paramedic arrives. This really is a lifesaving carried out in some FRSs by employees partnership; Cleveland Fire Brigade staff During the trial, Emergency Medical can complement and work alongside the on a voluntary basis. The trial is part of Response Units, in the form of fire a review of the terms and conditions of professional healthcare staff at North East appliances, will deliver emergency medical Ambulance Service to improve patient firefighters by the National Joint Council services when requested by NEAS. The for Local Authority Fire and Rescue care outcomes. Cleveland Fire Brigade’s emergency medical services included ethos is to make a difference to the lives Services, looking at the current and future may involve attending calls where demands on the service and profession. and safety of our local community. This people are suffering from chest pain, critical partnership with NEAS allows our firefighters another opportunity to demonstrate how they can achieve that goal.”

Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service Assistant Chief Fire Officer Mark McCarty said: “We are looking forward to working in partnership with the North East Ambulance Service to provide an enhanced level of response to emergency medical incidents. Our firefighters are used to dealing with medical emergencies as part of their role and already work closely with NEAS colleagues in a number of emergency situations. In this pilot, if one of our teams is available when a medical emergency response is requested, we can be at the scene quickly to begin life-saving treatment while waiting for an ambulance crew to arrive, who will then be able to continue the treatment and provide specialist medical care. This is a great opportunity for us to use our skills and training to further benefit the whole community.”

Keith Wanley, area manager for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue

6 | IN ATTENDANCE Spring 2016 www.inattendance.co.uk CLEVELAND FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE Diploma Success for 19 Site Protection Officers

Nineteen Site Protection Officers, who expertise but we are also make up part of the team that provides totally committed to providing the best vital emergency cover at one of Teesside’s training and qualifications for our fire- major industrial sites, have been awarded fighters,” said Kevin Harrison, Operations an internationally recognised diploma in Manager for CFB Risk Management at the industrial fire management. Ineos Fire Station.

The 19, based at the Ineos Nitriles site at “The Diploma covers a wide range of skills Seal Sands, where Cleveland Fire Brigade including hazardous materials, security, fire Risk Management provides around-the- management and medical emergencies. clock protection, have completed around One of the advantages is that a lot of the 15 months of training and continual training is based on the site where the Service, said: “The fire and rescue assessment before being awarded the team works, using the equipment and service already saves many lives through Diploma from the Joint Oil & Industry Fire facilities we have here. prevention work and by responding to Forum (JOIFF). those involved in fires and accidents, we “We provide protection services for a hope that this additional support will JOIFF is dedicated to developing whole range of blue-chip companies provide early lifesaving care to help save the knowledge and skills needed by operating in the oil and gas, petrochemical many more.” emergency response personnel who and nuclear sectors and this is an respond to incidents in high hazard additional reassurance for them that the Chris Lowther, Assistant Chief Fire Officer industries. Although the emphasis in fire our personnel are not only experienced at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, hazard management is on prevention but also trained to the very highest said: “Saving lives has always been at the and protection the team also needs the standards,” he added. core of what we do and crews are used to skills and ability to command emergency Started in 2011 as a community interest providing life-saving first aid at incidents. operations involving incidents of every company, Cleveland Fire Brigade Risk Our trial is looking at how we can extend size. Management has a growing reputation that work in partnership with NEAS as a CFB Risk Management has one of for its range of specialist fire protection part of our clear purpose to create the the largest workforces in the UK with services with multi million pound contracts safest communities. the skills and competence to work in across the UK and growing interest from “Responding to fires and emergencies will these high hazard conditions and Ineos Europe and the Middle East. All profits always be the top priority for our crews Nitriles, one of Europe’s largest industrial go into community projects that improve but it makes sense to enable properly manufacturers of plastics, is one of a safety for thousands of families in the Tees trained fire fighters to deliver appropriate number of high profile contracts won by area. medical assistance if they can get to the the company. Site Protection Officers with Kevin scene first while an ambulance is on its “Operating in the Teesside area which has Harrison (centre), Operations Manager for way.” a concentration of high hazard industries CFB Risk Management at the Ineos Fire gives us invaluable experience and Station. The trial will run until 30 June 2016 and will be monitored on a daily basis by all parties to ensure it remains an effective scheme offering a level of quality patient care in the local community. Throughout the trial data will be gathered to allow for a full evaluation following its completion.

Caroline added: “At NEAS we are already supported by Community First Responder volunteers who work tremendously hard and do a fantastic job in their local areas. The addition of EMRs will further strengthen our response in these communities and the two models will work side-by-side to save more lives.”

The trial officially launched during January in Tyne and Wear, Northumberland County Durham and Darlington. Cleveland Fire Brigade, which has been providing this service for a number of years is extending the service across the Teesside area throughout January. www.inattendance.co.uk IN ATTENDANCE Spring 2016 | 7 DORSET & WILTSHIRE FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE Countdown to new combined Precept agreed Fire & Rescue Service for new It is now less than Fire and Rescue three months until the new Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Service Rescue Service The Shadow Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and comes into being. Rescue Authority has approved a budget As of 1 April of £54.815 million to run the new Dorset 2016, the local & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service in authority areas of Bournemouth, Dorset, 2016-17. Poole, Swindon and Wiltshire will be At its meeting on Friday, 12th February, served by one combined Fire and Rescue the Shadow Authority accepted the Service with 50 fire stations. Government’s ‘Alternative Notional Since the decision was made in December Amount’ - the baseline level of fire 2013 to pursue combination, a huge precept for a Band D property - of £67.86. amount of work has been carried out, and Members also approved the the two existing Fire Authorities of Dorset recommendation of Chief Fire Officer and Wiltshire & Swindon have made a (Designate) Darran Gunter to increase that number of significant decisions, including: baseline by 1.99%. • The formal agreement to combine, This means that all Band D properties in made in November 2014; Bournemouth, Dorset, Poole, Swindon Chief Fire Officer (Designate) Darran Gunter and Wiltshire will pay £69.21 for the • The appointment of Darran Gunter as new Fire and Rescue Service within their Chief Fire Officer (Designate) for the new This challenge is even greater when you council tax for the year starting on 1 April Service; consider that we still all have the ‘day job’ of keeping our communities safe. I 2016. • The bringing together of the two am incredibly proud of how everyone has This equates to just 19 pence per day to Control rooms into one Service Control dealt with this difficult time of change. ensure a 24/7 emergency response and Centre, which has been operating from dedicated prevention and protection “We recently learnt that our Government Potterne in Wiltshire since August 2015. service. It also means that the amount funding will be reduced by a further 30% residents pay for their Fire and Rescue • Securing funding from the over the next four years. This combination Service is still below the average for similar Government for transition costs and a will provide the best means of protecting FRSs, despite being the second-worst new Safety Centre, which has a preferred and, where possible, strengthening the funded. location on the Wiltshire/Swindon border; 24/7 frontline prevention and protection • Agreement to base the new Service services that we provide to communities Mr Gunter said: “In an ideal world, we at a strategic hub within the Five Rivers across Dorset and Wiltshire.” would not be increasing fire precept. Health and Wellbeing Centre in Salisbury; However, our share of the average Band D In a joint statement, Cllr Rebecca Knox, council tax bill is still significantly less than • Approval of the new Service name and chairman of Dorset Fire Authority, and Cllr many of our partners, including a large branding. Christopher Devine, chairman of Wiltshire number of town and parish councils. The & Swindon Combined Fire Authority, said: new Service is facing a 30% reduction Members of the public may have already “We are confident that the new Fire and seen the new Service badge and name in Government grant over the next four Rescue Service will allow us to maintain years, and it is this financial uncertainty appearing on fire engines and other the high quality emergency response and vehicles. This roll-out will continue that was a key factor in our decision to public safety activity that our communities combine.” between now and the end of March, rightly expect from us. We are very proud together with a gradual introduction of of our track record with prevention, and He added: “Through combination, we are new signage on fire stations and other this is something we want to develop achieving savings in excess of £6 million Service buildings. further as we move forwards. and we are confident that we are finding new ways of working. Our priority remains Chief Fire Officer (Designate) Darran “Fire Authority members have worked the delivery of an efficient, effective and Gunter said: “We have seen a significant closely with senior officers to develop sustainable Fire and Rescue Service across amount of hard work by staff and Elected the new Service, and we are exploring Bournemouth, Dorset, Poole, Swindon Members in both Dorset and Wiltshire as ways of developing even more effective and Wiltshire, and the budget agreed by we move towards combination. What has partnerships with local authorities and the the Shadow Fire and Rescue Authority been achieved to date is tremendous, and other emergency services. We know that gives us a foundation to achieve this.” there is still much to be done before the the last two years have been challenging new Service comes into being on 1 April.” for staff across both existing Services, and The budget papers can be viewed at: He added: “We are currently going we would like to put on record the thanks http://www.dorsetfire.gov.uk/working- through the emotional, and often difficult, of all Elected Members for the hard work, with-us/about-us/dorset-fire-authority/ process of matching our existing staff dedication and professionalism of all our dorset-fire-authority-committees/shadow- to posts within the new organisation. personnel.” fire-authority/

8 | IN ATTENDANCE Spring 2016 www.inattendance.co.uk IN ATTENDANCE Excellence in Fire & Emergency Awards: Supplier of the Year APD have been awarded Supplier of It’s great to see APD Communications the Year for the second consecutive has stepped up to claim the Supplier of year. APD’s Artemis, Cortex and Aspire the Year award for its work on brands solutions were recognised by the judging Cortex, Aspire and Artemis, which have panel for achieving significant efficiencies been used diversely across the sector and cost savings, changing and improving from Northamptonshire Police to Dubai the lives of members of the community International Airport”. and helping to reduce deaths and injuries. The award recognised APD’s solutions The awards were held on Friday 4th being used in mission critical December at the prestigious One Great environments: George Street in London. After attracting over 150 entries for individuals and Artemis tracking and telematics at teams across ten categories, the judging Northamptonshire Police has continued to Ricky Amalsadia (Marketing Manager) and panel shortlisted APD the Supplier of the deliver significant cash savings including Mike Isherwood (Director) Year category for continuing to make a 17% reduction in fuel costs, 25% an impact on the levels of service the reduction in collisions and 4% fewer tires In March 2014, Aspire started being used Emergency Services deliver to the public. replaced. at Front Counters within North Yorkshire Police improving customer service through Ricky Amalsadia, Marketing Manager at The operational benefits also extend to early risk detection, identification of APD attended the awards – “Collecting the removal of paper driver logs allowing vulnerable persons and repeat victims, the award was an honor. To be shortlisted officers to be policing for longer. Vehicle early resolution of customer enquiries and was overwhelming given the standard utilisation also enables optimum resource an improved service provision to the public of entries again this year. Winning the utilisation and allocation of vehicles without addition internal processing time. award for the second year really cements to priority areas to ensure the public APD and our solutions as best in breed. continue to be protected. Aspire has also led to the elimination of The award is testament to all at APD that duplicate entries and incidents, resolution Cortex was used as the primary develop, sell, deliver and support Artemis, at first point of contact, better access communications system during the recent Cortex and Aspire and our customers to historical victim and incident data, NATO Summit. This enabled officers who continue using them to improve their improved audit capabilities, accurate data from Gwent, South Wales, Wiltshire, service levels”. recording, reduced failure demand in the Avon & Somerset and Gloucestershire to Control Room, consistent processes and In announcing the winner, FIRE editor communicate effectively and create a rigid the ability to monitor demand. All of this Andrew Lynch said: “A key point of security framework. ensures improved service levels delivered discussion at the Fire Congress which to the public. Over 4,000 resources were coordinated took place before the Awards, was the at any one time through the Cortex importance of shared outcomes from The Judging Panel had the difficult task system by integrating not only all Police research and working with industry, of sifting through nearly 150 high-quality communications, but also CCTV feeds of and so it was pleasing to see a shortlist entries to reach the shortlist. This year’s vehicle convoys and helicopter feeds to featuring a range of companies, whilst Judging Panel included: Peter Holland ensure the safety of over 180 VIPs, 4,000 helping to reduce deaths and injuries. – Chief Fire and Rescue Advisor, Sarah delegates and officials, and the public. Benihoff – DCLG Director of Fire Resilience and Emergencies, Steve Hamm – President of the Institution of Fire Engineers, and Paul Hancock – President of the Chief Fire Officers Association.

Commenting after the awards, Event Director Tony Greville said: “After the success of last year’s awards, these second Excellence in Fire and Emergency Awards surpassed our expectations in all areas.

We had more than double the entries of last year, more people at the lunch and more support for the event than we ever dreamed of. It has been fantastic the way the emergency industry has embraced this growing event”.

For more information on the projects or any of APD’s solutions, please contact Ricky Amalsadia on: 01482 808 300 APD scoop Supplier of the Year for 2nd year running or [email protected] www.inattendance.co.uk IN ATTENDANCE Spring 2016 | 9 2016 UKRO CHALLENGE 2016 UKRO Challenge Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service HQ 8th to 10th September 2016 The 2016 UKRO Challenge will be hosted by Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service. Teams will be able to display their skills within the following disciplines: RTC Extrication, Trauma, USAR, Rope, Water Rescue and for the first time Animal Rescue. The Opening Ceremony will be on Thursday 8 September 2016 with Challenge Days being on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 September 2016 when the Closing Ceremony will take place. The event will be held at HFRS Headquarters in Eastleigh Hampshire and other local locations. Discount now available for on-line registration only until 31 March 2016. Registrations for Animal Rescue are being 4. Travelodge Eastleigh Central, Telephone Numbers: dealt with separately by Hampshire FRS Southampton Road, Eastleigh, SO50 9FJ General: +44 (0) 983 821000 so please e mail the Event Manager, Steve Media: +44 (0) 1522 582222 Barrow. 5. Travelodge Southampton Eastleigh, Ham Farm, A335 Twyford Road, Eastleigh, - Mary Maggs For all other registration queries, please SO50 4LF Finance: +44 (0) 115 9261081 email Guy Goodman. - Neil Timms A range of other hotels is available from Teams should book and pay for their Booking.Com within 3 miles or so of the IT Support: +44 (0) 7900 678047 own accommodation. Here are some venue. - Andrew Fyfe local hotels you may wish to use: Contact Us: Email: 1. Holiday Inn Southampton-Eastleigh M3 Postal Address: IT Support: [email protected] Jct 13, Leigh Road, Eastleigh, SO50 9PG United Kingdom Rescue Organisation This email address is for support only, we will not respond to information requests 2. Premier Inn Southampton (Eastleigh), c/o Guy Goodman via this address. If you are looking for 117-119 Leigh Road, Eastleigh, SO50 9YX 159 Dominion Road, Glenfield, information, please telephone. 3. Premier Inn Southampton Airport, Leicester, Mitchell Way, Southampton, SO18 2XU LE3 8JB.

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10 | IN ATTENDANCE Spring 2016 www.inattendance.co.uk WEST YORKSHIRE FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE West Yorkshire Firefighters tackle massive Bradford Mill fire

Photograph courtesy of Ken Wilkinson West Yorkshire F&RS.

Just before 1130 hrs on a very windy and stormy Thursday 29th January, West Yorkshire FRS were called to a fire in the four-storey Grade II-listed Drummond Mill, in Lumb Lane, Manningham.

The first crews on the scene found a fast spreading basement fire, and very soon 25 basement of a building which was part of and a five storey building at the rear of pumps and specialist appliances were in the mill complex. By nature basement fires the site, officers made the tactical decision attendance at the scene. Due to the threat are incredibly difficult to tackle because to remove crews from inside firefighting of further spread of fire and the thick toxic there is nowhere for the heat and smoke operations for their own safety. From this smoke plume, Police evacuated residents to go. Firefighters were committed into point the fire was fought from external from about 100 nearby houses and this incredibly arduous and high risk positions with priority being prevention employees from a number of commercial environment and worked courageously to of further spread to nearby properties, buildings. stop the fire spreading to the rest of the including Green Lane School. mill.” The blaze sparked an outpouring of Temp ACO Ian Bitcon added: “This fire emotion on social media for a building ACFO Bitcom continued: “Despite their was ferocious and the intense heat at close that opened back in 1886 and soon determined efforts the fire broke out and proximity was stifling. The height of the became a yarn-producing powerhouse, spread very quickly to the adjacent mill fire was at around 3pm and it was under providing masses of employment for buildings. Throughout my entire career, control by 10.30pm, and it is thanks to the Bradford families. The gates of the mill I can honestly say I have never seen firefighters that did not spread elsewhere. closed in 2001 but it was revived as a firefighters work as hard as they did to try The building has suffered significant creative space for theatre groups and and knock this fire back.” damage and structural collapse, so our later touted as a potential residential and priority today is working alongside our business complex. Due to the punishing conditions, BA partners to determine the next steps.” Crews worked in 20 minutes relays, but Temporary Assistant Chief Fire Officer Ian as the blaze spread to the entire four The cause of the fire remains under Bitcon said: “The fire was initially in the storey mill building next to Lumb Lane, investigation. www.inattendance.co.uk IN ATTENDANCE Spring 2016 | 11 HERTFORDSHIRE FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE

Hertfordshire remembers Buncefield Blast facts •The explosion registered as 2.4 on the Richter scale. •The blast wave shook buildings 25 miles largest fire away, rattled windows and letterboxes on the coast and was heard on mainland Europe. in peacetime Europe •The smoke produced by the fire spread out across London, the south East and 11 December 2015 marks ten years since eventually across France. It was visible from the explosion and fire at the Buncefield outer-space. Oil Storage Terminal in Hemel Hempstead, •We used 786,000 litres of foam and Hertfordshire. 53,000,000 litres of water fighting the fire. At 6:02 on Sunday 11 December 2005, •1,000 staff were involved in dealing with a fuel vapour explosion equivalent to 30 the incident. tonnes of TNT at the depot triggered a blast wave which was heard as far away as •25 fire engines were on site at the height Holland. of the incident. Miraculously nobody was killed in the •22 Fire Services from across the country explosion or the three day blaze which “Our fire fighters worked incredibly helped Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue followed – the largest ever in peacetime hard with colleagues from across the tackle the blaze which burned for 3 days Europe. country and it’s a testament to their before finally being bought under control professionalism that we managed to on the 13 December including… London, Jon Batchelor was in charge of the first fire contain the blaze.” Bedfordshire and Luton, Essex, Norfolk, engine on the scene. He said: “Everyone At the time 370 businesses and 3,500 Suffolk, Warwickshire, West Midlands, heard the bang so we were ready for a Cumbria, Greater Manchester, North big fire but nothing could have prepared jobs were affected by the explosion but since 2005, Hertfordshire County Yorkshire, Humberside, Buckinghamshire, us for the scene we were confronted Hampshire, Kent, Oxfordshire, with. As we arrived at the business park Council and Dacorum Borough Council have helped the Maylands Business Park Royal Berkshire, Surrey, Derbyshire, we could see flames climbing hundreds Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Mid of feet into the dark sky, making it almost recover and it’s now a thriving business centre once again. and West Wales, South Wales Fire Service seem like daylight. It was a scene of College. utter devastation, with buildings severely Richard Thake, Hertfordshire County damaged and glass and debris lying across Council Cabinet Member for Community •60 people were treated for injuries but the road. Safety, said: “Make no mistake, the miraculously, nobody was seriously hurt or killed in the explosion or subsequent blaze. “It was simply the biggest fire that I had Buncefield explosion was a disaster. ever seen and I immediately radioed the Not in terms of loss of life, but certainly •370 businesses and 3,500 workers control room and declared it a major measuring huge damage done to the were affected by the explosion. In the incident. That’s normally a big decision, local economy and people’s lives. It speaks subsequent decade businesses have and one that would be taken by someone volumes that the county council and its recovered with the nearby Maylands a lot more senior than me, but in the partners have been able to re-establish business park now part of the a West circumstances it was a very easy call to the Maylands Business Park which is, once Hertfordshire Enterprise Zone. again, a thriving hub of enterprise.” make.” •Many nearby homes were badly damaged Hertfordshire’s response helped form The business community has responded ranging from cracked walls to smashed today’s national template for tackling so strongly that George Osbourne recently windows and collapsed rooftops. announced the creation of an Enterprise major incidents. The lessons learnt from Tackling the blaze in numbers the incident also led to improvements in Zone in West Hertfordshire including Maylands Business Park. This zone is set •786,000 litres of foam concentrate used how fire services work together and plan (£1.4m). for similar events in future. to deliver thousands of jobs and attract hundreds of new businesses. •53 million litres of water applied – 10 Roy Wilsher, Chief Fire Officer and Gold million litres recycled. Commander for the incident, said: “The Cllr Andrew Williams, Leader of Dacorum Borough Council, said: “I believe that •25 fire engines on site at height of Buncefield fire was by far the biggest incident. incident the Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue the Enterprise Zone has the potential Service has ever dealt with, and I’m very to become of international importance, •1,000 different staff were involved. proud of our response. We had plans to representing a key gateway to London •100 million litres of oil product on site. and the UK for global investors wanting tackle an incident at the site and thankfully •60 million litres in immediate area of fire. those worked well. To give you some advanced manufacturing and distribution •£34k of catering. indication of scale, we used 53 million space, as well as high tech, potentially litres of water and nearly 800 thousand exemplar sustainable office provision. This •Service dealt with over 700 other calls litres of foam to bring the fire under opportunity also paves the way to supply during the fire. control. Over 1000 members of staff from business start-up/small business incubation •The only large scale water supply was across a range of services played a role in space (at the research establishments) and 1.8k away.33km of High Volume hose laid. our response. move on space for growing businesses.”

12 | IN ATTENDANCE Spring 2016 www.inattendance.co.uk HERTFORDSHIRE FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE

Attending the university’s annual Housing Encouraging the importance of driving Fair, an event aimed at first year students safely, crews also took along the road Firefighters looking to rent their first home, crews traffic safety car – a modified Ford Focus provided advice about fire safety in which acts as a crash simulator or ‘crash student accommodation, and testing car’ to powerfully bring home the risks of visit the smoke alarms, promoting the free home driving dangerously. fire safety checks. Stationed outside the Forum, the crash car Richard Thake, Cabinet Member for was used to educate young drivers, who University Community Safety, said: “If students are at particular risk of being involved in are worried about the safety of their a crash, about the dangers of speeding, accommodation, free home fire safety drink driving, not wearing a seatbelt and of Hertfordshire checks are available, carried out by driving while distracted, for example when firefighters from their local station. This using a mobile phone. Firefighters from Hatfield and Potters Bar assesses all areas of accident and fire risk gave students a lesson in fire and driving in the home, and can give students peace First year student Dan, 18, said: “It’s really safety at the University of Hertfordshire on of mind when living away from home for made me think more carefully about how Friday 8th January. the first time.” I drive in the future, it was a bit of an eye opener and shows the consequences of not driving safely.”

Richard Thake added: “Young drivers remain one of our most vulnerable groups of road users, with dozens of 17 to 24 year olds being seriously injured on our roads every year. Events like this help us engage with young drivers and help prevent accidents happening in the first place.”

Top and left: Personnel from Hertfordshire FRS meeting with students as they spread the fire safety and safe driving message during their visit

www.inattendance.co.uk IN ATTENDANCE Spring 2016 | 13 IN ATTENDANCE 18th Century National Trust house to rise from the ashes On 29th April 2015, in one of the worst of the house. Amongst other historic fire disasters ever suffered by the National items salvaged included regimental Trust, their 18th century Clandon Park colours from the Surrey Infantry Museum Palladian mansion in Surrey and its located at Clandon Park, although much contents were devastated by fire. of the Museum’s considerable collection On that fateful day, Surrey Fire & Rescue of medals, uniforms and other military popular venue for weddings and other Service received the first of many fire memorabilia were lost. social functions. calls to Clandon Park which contained Upon the alarm being raised, the building Clandon House was not fitted with hundreds of irreplacable artefacts including was evacuated and everyone within sprinklers, and in the aftermath of the 18th century furniture, paintings, porcelain made their way to safety. During the fire, something of a debate has developed and textiles. firefighting operations, three aerial ladders regarding the provision of sprinklers in A severe fire was already in progress when were deployed together with three water historic houses. At the time of the fire, the first crews arrived on the scene, and carriers to combat a water shortage. A the National Trust stated that this policy despite the heroic efforts of 80 firefighters, recent report into the blaze said that is in line with standard practice in stately much of the structure and contents of the fire was caused by a resistance homes as sprinklers can pose different the Grade 1 listed Palladian mansion were heating fault on a neutral bar in the problems for collections if there is a fault. severely damaged. electrical distribution board in a basement This view has been challenged by the However, firefighters helped to salvage cupboard. British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association some of the house’s valuable contents Built for Lord Onslow in the 1720’s, (BAFSA). Soon after the Clandon Park as they removed paintings and carried Clandon Park was bequeathed to The fire, Stewart Kidd, then BAFSA’s Secretary antique furniture to safety onto lawns National Trust in 1956, and has been a General, wrote in the Daily Telegraph: Sprinklers pose no problems which are not posed by domestic water systems. Unlike fire detection systems, sprinklers and other automatic fire suppression systems do not generate spurious alarms but only respond to actual fires. In the UK, there are more than 100 fires each year in Grade 1 or Grade A listed buildings.” Stewart Kidd continued: Having more than 25 years experience in advising on the protection of historic buildings, I suspect that the National Trust’s approach to fire safety management needs to be reconsidered.” BAFSA held a Seminar in the House of Lords on 9th February 2016 and one of the sessions was devoted to the fire protection of heritage buildings. Two of the speakers were Stewart Kidd of BAFSA and Bob Bantock of the National Trust England. Options are currently being considered for the reconstruction of Clandon Park. One option may be to rebuild the ground floor to the original 1720’s plan, with a more modern gallery and other areas elsewhere in the property. At this stage it is not clear what fire protection is to be incorporated in the re-construction of Clandon Park.

14 | IN ATTENDANCE Spring 2016 www.inattendance.co.uk SCOTTISH FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE New tyre strategy pays off for Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is benefiting from improved tyre life, durability and traction for its frontline appliances after adopting the latest generation truck tyres.

The brigade became the first emergency service in the UK to fit a set of 315/70 R22.5 Michelin X MultiWay 3D XZE all-position (steer) tyres in 2011. Four years on, the fitments are still fitted after more than 58,000 km in service and are projected to achieve in excess of 71,000 km – an approximate 94 per cent increase in mileage performance over the previous Rescue Service is also fitting Michelin’s new with a gross vehicle weight of 7.5 tonnes fitment. X Multi range of tyres on its smaller 15 or more. tonne trucks. 285/70 R 19.5 X Multi tyres Fleet Manager Scott Roberts pioneered have been specified as original equipment The organisation was formed in April the shift from 275/70 R 22.5 XZE2+ tyres on 15 new Volvo appliances currently 2013, bringing together the collective skills – previously the favoured tyre size for an entering operation. and experience from across Scotland’s 18 tonne fire appliance – and says that the previous eight fire and rescue services. It move to larger tyres, combined with the Michelin says its new X Multi tyres stand encompasses more than 8,000 firefighters, new Michelin tread pattern, ticks all of the out for being safer, more fuel-efficient, protecting a population spread across boxes. quieter and longer-lasting than the bustling cities as well as some of the UK’s previous generation Michelin XZE2s they most remote areas. Critically, the all-position X MultiWay 3D replace. XZE tyres feature M+S (mud + snow) and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has 3PMSF (Thee Peak Mountain Snowflake) Testing conducted by TÜV SÜD in Germany operated a Michelin tyre policy for three markings, highlighting their ability to also revealed an average 13m difference decades, procuring rubber for its fleet deliver traction on snow and in mud. in wet braking when two-thirds worn through the Crown Commercial Service between a vehicle shod with Michelin X framework agreement. Tyres are supplied Previously, even urban-based appliances on Multi tyres, and four premium competitor and fitted by ATS Euromaster, which all-position tyres could struggle for traction brands tested, when braking from 50 to is described by Roberts as delivering in challenging conditions. However, the 0km/h on a low friction surface. “outstanding service”. new tyres’ credentials enable Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to specify all-position Scottish Fire and Rescue Service operates For further information on the Michelin tyres as an all-round fitment on new heavy a fleet of more than 1,900 vehicles commercial vehicle tyre range visit: appliances – even those for rural areas, throughout Scotland, including 830 assets http://trucks.michelin.co.uk/ which previously required drive pattern tyres to ensure sufficient traction when road conditions deteriorate.

Roberts says: “The change in tyre size and tread pattern have combined to offer our crews the best possible handling characteristics, with driver trainers and drivers reporting significantly less understeer when making progress under blue light conditions. This is no mean feat when you consider the weight of the crew cab and a full payload.

“The increase in tyre life is also notable. Shoulder wear used to be one of the main reasons for premature removal, but the X MultiWay 3Ds have worn evenly. To be on target to get 71,000 km from a set of tyres on an 18 tonne fire appliance is remarkable.”

As well as fitting the latest generation tyres on its 18 tonners, Scottish Fire and www.inattendance.co.uk IN ATTENDANCE Spring 2016 | 15 LONDON FIRE BRIGADE London’s worst peacetime loss of LFB Firefighters

As London Fire Brigade celebrates its 150th anniversary it is looking back at some of the most significant and some of the more unusual incidents that have taken place since the Brigade was formed in 1866.

On the 30 January 1918, seven firefighters tragically lost their lives when a building being used as a pepper mill collapsed following a fire at the Thames-side Albert Embankment, Lambeth. The tragedy remains the greatest single peacetime loss of London firefighters. From Superintendent The Divisional and smoke, the front of the building was Officer, “E” District Southern Division. hardly discernible, a hydrant was still 30th January 1918. being used up the Escape, I went to the front of the building with the men with Loss of Life at a Fire - Collapse of a view of making up and removing the Building Escape, when suddenly I heard Sub-officer Cornford call out “Look out Sir” and saw I submit that at 3-44 a.m of this date a the building collapsing. call was received by stranger to a private house alight at Albert Embankment, S.E., I called out “drop everything and run”, but to which Motor Escape, Motor Pump and was knocked down by the falling debris The fire, in a three-storey warehouse, 10 men from No.94. Station Vauxhall and part of the Escape, being subsequently was reported at 3:44am. Over the next and Motor Pump and 6 men from No.87. extricated by our men from amongst the two hours, three fire engines, an escape Station Kennington responded. debris. On making enquiry, I found that ladder and around 25 firefighters and Sub a message to the effect that the building At 3-55 a.m., a “home call” message Officers attended the scene. Although had collapsed and that several of our men was received, viz:- It is a building of three not a big fire the dense fog that day, were buried and ambulances were requires floors about 40 x 40 ft. used as Pepper combined with thick smoke, made it a had been sent back. Mills alight, one hydrant in use. No.3. difficult situation. At around 5:45am, Westminster Motor Pump and 6 men were I gave instructions for the debris to be while trying to remove an escape ladder, ordered and I attended with No.80. Motor searched for the bodies of our men, Brigade Superintendent Barrow ordered Car and 2 men. then saw the Divisional Officer South everyone to “drop everything and run” as who, on hearing of the nature of my On my arrival I found the upper floors of the building began to give way. injuries ordered me home. I have since a building of three floors about 45 x 30 been examined by the District Medical Sub Officer William E. Cornford ft. (used as cattle food manufacturers) Officer, and placed on the sick list, nature (Clapham), Fireman Edmund J. Fairbrother well alight, and part of roof and upper of illness “Injury to Legs”. (Signed) (Kennington), Fireman William E. Nash floor had fallen in. The fire was practically ……..J.BARROWS (Kennington), Fireman John .W.C. Johnson extinguished by the use of two hydrants (Vauxhall), Fireman Arther A. Page and 1 Motor Pump and the stop sent back Coincidentally, the Brigade’s former (Vauxhall) and Temp.Fireman James E. accordingly. headquarters, which was built in 1936 Fay (Kennington) were all killed by falling and opened by King George VI and Queen At 5-34 a.m., owing to a considerable debris when the front of the building Elizabeth a year later, is situated on the amount of turning over to be done, a collapsed. Sub-Officer Walter W. Hall same Albert Embankment site where the message was dispatched to the effect that (Vauxhall) was severely injured and later tragic 1918 fire took place. appliances would be detained for a time died in St. Thomas’s Hospital. and a few minutes later another message The names of the seven firefighters who Although the cause of the fire was asking or a Sub-officer and four men to be were killed, along with others who have unknown, it was thought to have been sent on with a view to the appliances and lost their lives during service, adorn a caused by rats gnawing through electrical myself returning home. memorial inside the building. cabling. The following extract is from At about 5-45 a.m. I was on the ground Top: King George VI and Queen Elizabeth an official Brigade record, submitted by floor and in consequence of hearing a open the new LFB HQ on the site of the 1918 Superintendent Barrows, which recalls the cracking noise, cleared everyone out of Albert Embankment fire. 21st July 1937 deadly incident: the building. Owing to the ground mist Left: The aftermath of the 1918 fire

16 | IN ATTENDANCE Spring 2016 www.inattendance.co.uk LONDON FIRE BRIGADE Dagenham crews move into new fire station Dagenham’s fire crews have begun operating from their new state-of-the-art fire station. Located on the same Rainham Road North site, the brand new building replaces the old station and will provide HOME: Firefighters have returned to Dagenham Fire Station. During the rebuild, the pump ladder firefighters with modern facilities that was based in Barking Fire Station, the pump at Harold Hill Fire Station and the aerial appliance at meet the demands of a 21st century fire Romford Fire Station. and rescue service. carried out by the Brigade’s PFI delivery a modern fire and rescue service. This The state-of-the-art building includes partner Blue3 (a Kier led consortium). fantastic new station provides us with four larger appliance bays which are During the construction phase of the facilities fit for the 21st century and better able to accommodate the Brigade’s project Dagenham’s firefighters and reinforces our commitment to providing latest vehicles, a six storey drill tower for appliances operated out of Barking, Harold the best possible fire service to the people training, offices and meeting rooms, a Hill and Romford fire stations. of Barking and Dagenham and to London gym, lecture and quiet study rooms and as a whole.” a kitchen and dining area for firefighters. Barking and Dagenham Borough There are separate shower, changing and Commander Steve Norman said: “This The design of the new fire station meets resting areas that can be modified to brand new fire station is good news for the highest environmental standards, as accommodate the different male to female our firefighters and good news for the well as providing a high level of natural ratio on each watch. local community. The previous station had light. The building draws energy for power and heating from renewable sources including a combined heat and power unit and solar panels and also reduces energy and water demands, cutting running costs and contributing to the Brigade’s overall environmental performance.

Dagenham is the first LFB fire station in the second phase of the rebuilding programme to be completed, with Dockhead, Leytonstone, Purley and Shadwell stations also set to be revamped in the next 12 months. Stations completed in the first phase of the programme and which are now operating are Mitcham, BEFORE: Dagenham Fire Station before the rebuild Old Kent Road, Plaistow and Orpington.

The rebuilt station also includes areas the served the community well for many years public can visit to access important fire but was coming to the end of its working safety information, as well as a community life and no longer met the demands of meeting room which will be available for bookings. There is also a designated area for the delivery of the Brigade’s LIFE and Fire Cadet courses for young people.

One of nine fire stations set to be rebuilt

The construction project was part of the Brigade’s on-going Private Finance Initiative (PFI) programme that will eventually see nine of London’s fire stations coming to the end of their life-span replaced by brand new buildings.

Building work on the new Dagenham station began in November 2014 and was AFTER: The new look Dagenham fire station www.inattendance.co.uk IN ATTENDANCE Spring 2016 | 17 OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE Fire Service helps local paper highlight Halloween costume danger Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire quickly they caught fire and how quickly and Rescue Service helped their local they burned once they were alight. newspaper’s fire safety campaign to go up in smoke. Watch manager Ricky Thomas said the think and it has made me change. “This team was happy to help and support the year I tried to encourage people in my The Oxford Mail approached the fire Oxford Mail’s campaign as they hoped it village to use torches instead of candles in service to ask if they could help with would raise awareness of the potential pumpkins which is the best way to prevent the testing of a number of children’s risks involved. anything happening. No matter how Halloween costumes to see how careful you are accidents will happen.” flammable they were. As the fabric burned he explained: ”There is not just the danger from the flames Oxfordshire Trading Standards carried The newspaper wanted to highlight the – these costumes can pose secondary out testing on 13 products bought from dangers of children’s costumes following dangers to children. Once alight the nylon shops around the county with just one the publicity surrounding injuries suffered material quickly melts and turns into costume failing the flammability test – a by TV celebrity Claudia Winkleman’s eight droplets of molten plastic which can stick ‘Hallowe’en Girls Devil Dress’ brought from year old daughter Matilda who suffered to children’s legs and the smoke given off the Witney 99p Stores Limited which was extensive burns when her witch outfit was from the burning clothing can contain subsequently withdrawn. set on fire by a candle in a pumpkin. harmful unburnt products of combustion Following the controlled testing by the which the youngsters can inhale. After buying a number of costumes from firefighters the worst performing costume leading retailers the Mail wanted to see “The problem is you may not notice it is was found to be a witch’s dress from Aldi. how easily they caught light but they on fire straight away or until a child feels It was alight quickly and by 30 seconds fire needed to do it safely – which is where the some sort of discomfort.” was spreading up the skirt. By 90 seconds fire and rescue service stepped in. it was completely destroyed. The campaign was joined by Oxfordshire Firefighters at the service’s headquarters Trading Standards and former firefighter A spokesman for Aldi said: “We are in Kidlington near Oxford provided a safe and mother-of-two Drew Kamphuis, who surprised to hear the results of this test. environment for the costumes to be tested runs First For Safety, a company which The safety of customers is of paramount and they also supervised the experiment. offers first aid courses for parents. importance to Aldi. “All of our children’s fancy dress costumes, Six children’s fancy dress outfits were Drew said After what happened to Claudia including our Halloween outfits, meet the exposed to a naked flame to see how Winkleman’s daughter it has made me rigorous British nightwear flammability safety standards. This enhanced safety standard is in addition to the mandatory requirements set out by the Toy Safety directive.”

The best performing outfit was a Vampire set, sold by H&M which was difficult to light and after 60 seconds only a small area was alight. By two minutes the flame was starting to go out.

Oxford Mail Assistant Editor Keeley Rodgers said: “Given the publicity around injuries caused by a Halloween costume elsewhere we wanted to conduct our own testing locally. It was alarming how quickly and severely some of the costumes went up in flames and the fire service was extremely helpful in what we wanted to do.

“The article was very informative and illustrated with some dramatic pictures of what happened to the costumes.”

The pictures are members of the Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Team who helped with the testing.

18 | IN ATTENDANCE Spring 2016 www.inattendance.co.uk CAMBRIDGESHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE Fire service awarded ‘Excellent’ status in equality assessment Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service The peer team recognised the efforts we has been rated ‘Excellent’ against the Fire are making in the area of equality and Oxygen masks for pets and Rescue Service Equality Framework inclusion and it is an achievement that following a recent visit by a peer review everyone in the Service should be proud on Cambridgeshire team. of.” fire engines The team commended the successful Chairman of the Fire Authority, Sir Peter positive action campaign carried out at the Brown added: “We recognise that Pet-friendly oxygen masks are to be carried start of the year ahead of the wholetime receiving this status doesn’t mean we are on some of Cambridgeshire's fire engines. firefighter recruitment process. The perfect but it rewards our staff’s efforts, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service campaign resulted in five women being commitment and achievements to date in has teamed up with national charity among the 21 successful candidates to this important area. We will continue to Smokey Paws, which provides the four- join the Service last week after completing progress our work further, working with legged friendly first aid equipment, to kit their training. partners, community groups and staff.” out six fire engines. The review team first visited the Service The assessors spoke positively about a new The trial to have the oxygen masks on at the end of last year and although development programme the Service has the emergency vehicles has been led by they were impressed by the evidence run this year for non-management staff Firefighter Neil Hoskin. to gain new skills that will help them take they were presented with they felt the the next rung up the career ladder if they Service needed further improvement in a He said: “As a dog owner I appreciate how chose that path. number of areas to reach ‘Excellent’. Staff important pets are to people. As a Service across the Service have been working we do the best with the equipment we The team was also impressed by new hard since then to address the areas that have but this new kits means we can go initiatives such as Olive Branch training needed strengthening, which included just that bit further to help improve the for voluntary sector organisations to help better equality monitoring of staff, further chances of survival for a pet. identify vulnerable residents at greater risk proactive work with the voluntary sector of fire, mental health first aid training and to identify vulnerable ‘high risk’ residents, “Some pet owners live alone and rely on setting up new referral pathways with and carrying out positive action to recruit the company of animals for support, so Red Cross, Age UK and others. more women firefighters and people from this is just as important to their welfare as Chief Fire Officer Graham Stagg said: under-represented groups. well as the pet in a stressful rescue of fire situation. “This is a significant achievement for us The peer team was invited back at the end as we are one of just a handful of fire and of November and last week the Service “We have in the past used human oxygen rescue services in the country to achieve received official confirmation that it had masks numerous times but they do not the highest rating in this framework. been awarded ‘excellent’. always work very well. These pet masks are specially designed to fit the faces of animals and will help our attempts to Tribute to long-serving revive animals and every second counts after an incident.” on-call firefighter The six kits have been donated through The fire service is “Malc was well-liked, loved and funding to the charity, including money mourning the death respected within the fire service, the raised at Dogsthorpe Fire Station open day of a long-serving community of Whittlesey and the last year. Each kit costs £90. on-call firefighter. surrounding area, and his family, and his Lynn Carberry from Smokey Paws, said: passing will leave a massive void.” Whittlesey on-call “Smokey Paws is pleased to be working firefighter Malcolm Malcolm, 57, joined Cambridgeshire Fire with Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Bean died suddenly and Rescue Service in June 1985 as an Service. following a cardiac arrest at his home on on-call firefighter at his local station. “With the help from Firefighter Neil Thursday, January 14th. Chief Fire Officer Chris Strickland Hoskin, Domestic Cleaning Alliance and Whittlesey’s Watch Commander Mark added: “It is a great sadness to have lost resident Sandra Corder we have been able Brown said: “With over 30 years of someone who was an integral part of not to supply the county with six sets of pet dedicated service, Malc was part of the just Whittlesey Fire Station but also the oxygen masks. With help from everyone fabric of Whittlesey Fire Station. Malc had village and community. we can get a set of these life-saving pet a great sense of humour, jovial character oxygen masks on every fire engine in the “He dedicated many years to the on-call and an easy going manner, so his sudden county and across the UK . service and in-turn, to protecting his death has been devastating to us all. community. It is moving to see floral “Please visit www.smokeypaws.co.uk to “Malc was also a businessman with his tributes have been laid for Malcolm donate and find out more information own estate agency, where he would at the fire station and he will be sadly about our mission to help the UK fire and arrange his schedule around his fire missed by his friends and the people of rescue service save our pets.” service commitments to ensure that the Whittlesey. Our thoughts are with his A kit will be stored on fire engines from local community had availability to a family and we are doing everything we Dogsthorpe, Huntingdon, Cambridge , St rapid fire service response. can to support them.” Neots, Ely and Kimbolton. www.inattendance.co.uk IN ATTENDANCE Spring 2016 | 19 IN ATTENDANCE Another serious Dubai tall tower fire causes concern over fire risk of composite panels

Yet another serious fire involving a Dubai polyurethane and other foam-based tall tower that dramatically engulfed the ‘sandwich’ filling. The use of ACP’s was face of the building and caused immense banned by government regulation in damage has raised more concerns over 2013, when UAE Civil Defence announced such structures that utilise flammable an extension to existing fire safety codes aluminium composite cladding panels on requiring owners of high-rise towers with their vertical elevations. flammable cladding panels to install a ring of fire retardant panels on every third floor At around 2130 hrs on New Year’s Eve, a to stop fire spread, together with external fire broke out on the 20th floor of the 63 sprinklers and drenchers. storey Address Downtown Hotel. The 991 statement that said that the causes and ft high tall tower was completed in 2008 However, many of Dubai’s 200 - plus circumstances of the fire were being at a cost of £156 million and is close to tall towers were completed before the investigated. the Burj Kalifa Tower, the world’s tallest 2013 ban, and in the meantime must be Dubai Police have since confirmed that the building. The hotel has 196 rooms and considered vunerable to the risk of fire fire at the 63 storey Address Downtown 626 apartments. so graphically demonstrated by this most recent outbreak. Hotel tower block on New Year’s Eve The fire spread very rapidly to engulf most 2015 was caused by an electrical fault. This inbuilt risk was further underlined by of one of the hotel’s external faces as According to investigators, an electrical the fact that The Address Downtown fire units of Dubai Civil Defence quickly arrived short circuit in a spotlight which was used was the third such occurrence involving a to get to work. There was some panic to illuminate the hotel was the origin of Dubai tall tower since 2013 where ACP’s amongst residents during the evacuation the massive fire that broke out at the clearly contributed to a rapid fire spread. of the tower, although it was fortunate hotel. Most recently was the fire in February that there were no serious casualties. 2015 in the 86 storey Torch residential According to Ahmad Mohammad Ahmad, Dubai authorities later reported that 16 tower, and the Tamweel Tower outbreak in Head of the Forensics and Mechanical residents had suffered minor injuries. November 2012. Engineering Department at the General Department of Forensic Science and The principal concern of the fire risk Following the Address Downtown fire, the Criminology of Dubai Police, the fire of ACP’s is their use of a flammable Dubai government issued a Civil Defence started in the cables of the spotlight on the ledge between the 14th and 15th floors of the 63 storey hotel. Fortunately, no deaths were attributed to the fire said Police, although some 15 persons were injured and one man suffered a heart attack during the evacuation process.

20 | IN ATTENDANCE Spring 2016 www.inattendance.co.uk IN ATTENDANCE Report from Dubai Civil Defence A Background to Dubai prevention requirements in development complex equipment and procedures The United Arab Emirates consists of a projects to ensure that the appropriate deployed during firefighting and rescue federation of seven Emirates: Abu Dhabi fire detection systems, means of escape operations. (the capital), Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm- provision and firefighting measures meet Smart Technology al-Qaiwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah. international fire standards and codes. DCD is also at the forefront of smart Dubai is the second largest Emirate with This is a significant responsibility for Dubai technology and its developing use in many a total area of 4,114 sq.km. It lies on has 150 skyscrapers or tall towers, the areas of work and delivery of its services. the northern coast of the Arabian Gulf third highest number in the world after In addition to its 997 Control Centre, DCD extending to 72 kilometres making it the New York and Hong Kong. maintains a call centre where all fire alarms UAE’s most influential port and commercial in Dubai are constantly monitored around centre. The city of Dubai is divided by a The Dubai Civil Defence Director the clock. Also being commissioned is water creek that is 13 kilometres long and General an integrated Command suite which will in places has a width of 500 metres. The Director General of Dubai Civil bring all other relevant civil agencies, Defence is Major General Expert Thani police and the military together when a The government of Dubai is committed Rashid Al Matrooshi, FIFireE, who along major protracted emergency occurs and to a liberal, free market policy and to the with his principal officer team are based close working liaison is needed to return creation of an environment conducive in Headquarters at Al Qusais from where the community to some normality. to business activity. Apart from being they direct the diverse operational and the business hub of the Gulf, Dubai has safety work of the personnel of DCD. A recent example of the use of new quickly become the world’s capital for technology in firefighting and rescue luxury and shopping. In a clear recognition of the significant operations is the introduction of four aerial achievements over recent years of drone units. These “eyes on the sky” are Visitors come from all over the globe DCD’s highly motivated and professional deployed at an incident above and around to see and enjoy Dubai’s incredible teams under the leadership of Major the building or accident site to provide architecture, a man-made island and General Matrooshi, in 2014, the Major geographic intelligence and other the tallest building on earth with its 163 General was awarded a Fellowship of the valuable layout information via live video floors - the 828 metre high Burj-Khalifa. Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE links. Such information is critical for the Dubai is also a shopper’s paradise with the In order to provide an immediate 24/7 Incident Commander in bringing an Dubai Mall, the largest shopping mall in emergency situation under control. the world hosting over 760,000 visitors turnout of fire and rescue crews across the every week. And there are many other city, Dubai at present has an establishment Accolade for Dubai large malls and other iconic developments of some 1,600 uniformed firefighters One major area of future planning for around the city. who work on shift duties manning 16 DCD is the World Expo event to be hosted fire stations across the city. They are in Dubai in 2020. The World Expo event Other statistics that surround Dubai and supported by approximately 200 civilian is staged every five years and attracts its phenomenal growth are staggering. administration staff. As Dubai steadily millions of visitors who explore and Its estimated population has grown to grows, more fire stations are planned. discover pavilions, exhibits and cultural 2,269,000, of whom 80% are expatriates. events staged by hundreds of participants This figure is conservatively swollen by In order to be ready for any type of including nations, international visitors, probably ten times that number emergency, DCD maintains a large fleet of organisations and businesses. emergency vehicles that includes general during most months. Dubai International This is the first time this shop window of Airport handled over 70 million passengers purpose pumping appliances, aerial ladder platforms able to reach up to 54 metres, the world has been awarded to a Middle in 2014, a 6% increase on the previous East country. Apart from the natural year. In rail transport, 2009 saw Dubai rescue and breathing apparatus tenders, water tankers, control units, hazardous expansion of Dubai, planning for the huge opening of the world’s longest driverless increase in Dubai’s population over the Metro network now carrying more than material, water rescue and other specialist fast response units. six months during 2020 is a significant 500,000 passengers every day. challenge for DCD, especially in the Dubai Civil Defence DCD also has a Training Centre at Al Awir provision of additional fire cover and fire The task of protecting and keeping where a varied training programme from safety in the many places of public resort. the population safe from the risk of recruit training through to specialised fire, together with all of the Emirates courses and continuation training is One of Dubai Civil Defence’s 54 metre Iveco developments and investments lies in delivered using some of the highly Magirus Aerial Ladder Platforms the hands of Dubai Civil Defence (DCD), who provide a 24/7 immediate response to fire and rescue calls and the need for evacuation from any threatening natural or man-made emergency. DCD’s Vision simply states: Towards making UAE one of the safest and most secure countries in the world. DCD’s Mission statement says: We are committed to the implementation of the highest safety and excellence standards while executing firefighting, rescue and evacuation operations. DCD also provides fire safety advice to business and commerce alike as well as to the public at large, and has specialist officers who work with developers, architects and builders dealing with fire www.inattendance.co.uk IN ATTENDANCE Spring 2016 | 21 ROYAL BERKSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE Help shape the future of your Fire The new IRMP is a strategic five-year plan in 2014, which resulted in six new and Rescue that focuses on delivering the outcomes of strategic commitments, RBFRS has been four priority projects: planning how these commitments would 1) Response (response standards, be delivered using its available resources Service fire station locations and crewing and against the backdrop of Government spending cuts. Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service arrangements) (RBFRS) is asking people to help shape Including reviewing current attendance “These four key projects are the result of the future of their local fire and rescue times, reviewing optimum fire station that planning activity and we hope that as service by sharing their views as part of a locations and their suitability, reviewing many people as possible will let us have consultation process. all current shift patterns and crewing their views on them. This is just the first arrangements, and exploring the step, as we will be developing annual The 12-week consultation, which started possibility of sharing locations with other Action Plans, which will contain detailed on 4th January, focuses on plans to review organisations. information about what will be achieved in the way that RBFRS delivers its services to each of the four years between now and enable people to live safe and fulfilling 2) Response (use of technology) Including reviewing RBFRS’ current 2019, and an Annual Report will detail the lives, while at the same time balancing the progress made in that year. budget in increasingly difficult financial specialist appliances, exploring the circumstances. possibilities of sharing resources with other “However, we are very keen to hear what fire and rescue services, and investigating you think about these key projects, for All fire and rescue authorities have a emerging technology and its impact on example, your views on how we manage legal duty to produce an Integrated Risk operational systems of work. risk, or if there are any other areas you Management Plan (IRMP), covering at think we should include in our projects. least a three year period, that identifies 3) Prevention Including reviewing current Prevention All the feedback we receive as part of the and assesses all foreseeable fire and consultation process will be considered, so rescue related risks that could affect the initiatives, delivering a broad range of new initiatives to improve the health and this really is your opportunity to help shape communities we serve. With limited the future of your fire and rescue service.” numbers of people and equipment, RBFRS wellbeing of communities, and carrying has to make decisions on how best to out risk mapping to deal with risks The consultation process runs from deploy our prevention and operational associated with key target groups and Monday 4 January – Monday 4 April response resources to reduce and mitigate areas. 2016 and you can take part in any of the the risks facing our communities. The IRMP 4) Protection following ways: process ensures the right resources are in Including reviewing RBFRS’ risk-based • Via our website www.rbfrs.co.uk the right place, at the right time. commercial premises audit programme RBFRS uses a large amount of data, and utilising collected data to enable • Emailing [email protected] continual review of ‘risk’ premises, including information from all of the • Tel: 0118 938 4331 (automated line) incidents it attends, to provide a detailed enabling the delivery of a more targeted ‘risk map’ of the county. In Berkshire, the programme. • Writing to us at Royal Berkshire Fire highest risk incidents, those where people Area Manager Simon Jefferies, who and Rescue Service, Newsham Court, are more likely to be injured or killed, are manages RBFRS’ IRMP process, said: Pincents Kiln, Calcot, Reading RG31 7SD dwelling fires and road traffic collisions “Since Royal Berkshire Fire Authority The IRMP document is available on RBFRS’ (RTCs). reviewed and reset their policy direction website at www.rbfrs.co.uk. with our colleagues in the police service. “However, as the transfer takes place over Fire Authority respond We view this transfer as a good opportunity the coming months, we will seek clarity to announcement to improve co-ordination in areas such as about arrangements for a range of matters, Royal Berkshire Fire Authority has national resilience and interoperability, as including transitioning policy, funding and responded positively to the announcement well as our response to emergencies. the provision to meet national and local by Prime Minister David Cameron that “This also builds on the collaboration emergencies. We are particularly keen that central Government responsibility for fire that already exists, and further work key links with other organisations, which and rescue services will transfer from the that is being developed, between Royal enable us to make an important wider Department of Communities and Local Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and the social contribution, are not lost. Government to the Home Office. As part other blue light services, including Thames “In addition to our partnership work of the transfer, the Rt Honourable Mike Valley Police. For example, along with our with Thames Valley Police, we will Penning MP (Minister for Policing, Crime colleagues in our neighbouring fire and therefore continue to seek opportunities and Criminal Justice and Victims) will take rescue services, we recently signed a joint for collaboration with partners in other responsibility for fire under his ministerial ‘memorandum of understanding’ with organisations, including the ambulance portfolio. Thames Valley Police and the Police and service, health organisations, local Councillor Colin Dudley, Chairman of Crime Commissioner, focusing on sharing government and the voluntary sector Royal Berkshire Fire Authority, said: “We property and the co-location of police wherever possible to ensure we deliver broadly welcome the Prime Minister’s and fire and rescue services, wherever positive outcomes and provide the best announcement, which supports our such arrangements will benefit the local possible service to the communities we ongoing commitment to work more closely community. serve.”

22 | IN ATTENDANCE Spring 2016 www.inattendance.co.uk TYNE AND WEAR FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE Successful partnership protects residents from fire Officers from Tyne and Wear Fire and Kevin Gardner said: Rescue Service have signed an agreement “This partnership agreement is the fourth to provide fire safety advice to help Places of its type for Tyne and Wear Fire and for People to keep their customers safer Rescue Service and it is a very effective from fire in the future. way to work with organisations interested As part of the agreement, Fire Officers in proactively complying with fire safety will provide assurance on how to comply legislation. We are building up a very with fire safety legislation by carrying out strong relationship with Places for People a comprehensive and impartial review of and are looking forward to working the organisation’s fire safety policies and together over the coming years. procedures. “The signing of the Primary Authority The Primary Authority scheme was first Left to right: Clark Murray, Fire Safety Advisor, agreement not only shows our introduced by the Government in 2008 Places for People; Ian Bell, Primary Authority commitment to protecting our residents Officer, TWFRS; Gavin Scollen, Group Head of to help reduce the regulatory burden on Health and Safety, Places for People in Tyne and Wear but also shows Place for businesses. It allows businesses to deal People’s willingness to comply with fire with one regulatory authority, nationally, Primary Authority Officer for Tyne and safety legislation to ensure their customers rather than individual authorities in Wear Fire and Rescue Service Ian Bell, who are safer from fire in their own homes.” different locations. has helped to develop the partnership, Gavin Scollen, Group Head of Health and Places for People is one of the largest said: “I am delighted that we are working Safety from Places for People, said: “As property, leisure management and closely with Places for People on a number a company that creates and manages regeneration companies in the UK. The of key areas related to fire safety, which successful places, we are committed to organisation owns or manages over will bring a number of benefits and providing an environment that is safe 140,000 homes and supports around opportunities.” for our customers, staff and visitors. 7,500 people, many of which are The partnership agreement was officially The Primary Authority Scheme provides vulnerable with different needs. signed by Area Manager for Community excellent benefits and entering into a The company also develops leisure facilities Safety Kevin Gardner, Tyne and Wear Fire partnership with Tyne and Wear Fire and on behalf of local authorities and manages and Rescue Service, and Gavin Scollen, Rescue Service as a provider of consistent over 113 facilities, including swimming Group Head of Health and Safety at Places and reliable advice will enhance our pools, gyms and sports halls. for People. commitment to compliance.”

“Signing the Blue Light pledge means “Training volunteers in awareness of Service pioneers we are committed to a set of actions that mental health is one of the steps we’ve will support our staff to talk more openly taken to implement the Blue Light action on about their well-being, and to help each Programme. It has helped managers to emergency services other to improve mental health in our be supportive of colleagues experiencing workplace. mental health problems and raised mental health “Our aim is that none of our staff or awareness levels across the Service.” volunteers will feel unsupported if they Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service Andrew Howie, of Tyneside and experience mental ill health. We’ll achieve (TWFRS) are celebrating becoming the first Northumberland Mind, said: “I’d like this by continuing to give mental well- emergency service in the North East to sign to congratulate Tyne and Wear Fire and being a high profile in our workplace and the Blue Light Time to Change pledge to Rescue Service for signing up to the Blue by encouraging open conversations about tackle stigma around mental health. Light Challenge. mental health at work. Run by mental health charity Mind, the “We know that 1 in 4 people in the UK “The support for this initiative from staff will experience a mental health problem Blue Light programme was launched has been superb. We already have a following research that showed emergency in any given year. But our independent group of volunteer Blue Light champions research shows that the estimated services staff and volunteers in England are who’ve been trained to be a first point of more likely to experience mental ill health quarter of a million people who work contact for their colleagues and I hope this and volunteer in the emergency services but less likely to seek support than the network will grow as we progress with our general population. are even more at risk of experiencing a pledge commitments.” mental health problem than the general To mark national Time to Talk Day on 4th Watch Manager Paul Foster, a TWFRS Blue population, but are less likely to get February, staff at TWFRS were led by Chief Light champion, said: “The Blue Light support. Fire Officer Tom Capeling at an event to programme offers us an opportunity to “The Blue Light programme can make a share their understanding of mental health make a difference to how we think and big difference in changing that picture and the action they can take to help keep talk about mental health right across the and we’re delighted Tyne and Wear Fire themselves and colleagues well for work. Service. and Rescue Service is being so positive in CFO Capeling said: “I’m really proud that “We already have a positive attitude to showing how that can be done.” our Service has embraced this opportunity mental health as an organisation but we to play its part in ending the stigma that recognise we can learn and do much more TWFRS is one of two emergency services in the wrongly surrounds mental health in our as individual members of staff to be open North East to have signed the pledge, the other being the North East Ambulance Service. society. and supportive on mental health issues. www.inattendance.co.uk IN ATTENDANCE Spring 2016 | 23 85mm wide 127mm high

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24 | IN ATTENDANCE Spring 2016 www.inattendance.co.uk IN ATTENDANCE London’s Firefighters: 3SFire announced as providers Book Review A new book has been published entitled London’s Firefighters that graphically sets of Event Fire Safety at Farnborough out aspects of the long and proud history of the capital’s fire brigade. International Airshow Written by former firefighter David Pike, The 3SFire team has announced knowledge, professionalism and high who served in London that it will once again be providing quality service delivery.” Fire Brigade (LFB) for event fire safety at the world famous over 30 years, the book Sarah Adamson, 3SFire Head of Farnborough International Airshow. is a wonderful readable, Operations, said: “With this number lavishly illustrated of people at an event of this scale, it This is the major UK event in the anthology of articles, fiction and verse is vital that Farnborough International aerospace calendar, which takes place about the LFB, most of it gathered from the Airshow is secure in the knowledge that at TAG Farnborough Airport every two Brigade’s house magazines London Fireman their fire cover is being handled by well- years. The 2016 show will see upwards (1966-1982) and its successor London trained, highly experienced staff. We are of 150,000 visitors across the trade Firefighter (1982-2005). delighted to be able to fulfil the brief to weekdays and the public weekend The author has cleverly selected material make this event as safe as possible for show. that delivers a comprehensive history of exhibitors and visitors alike.” the LFB and some fascinating portraits of Farnborough International Head of 3SFire offers all levels of operational firemen and firewomen guarding London’s Operations, Andy Coulson, said: support to match the varied needs and population from the ravages of fire. “The safety of all those attending requirements of its clients. It is currently The book includes vivid accounts of Farnborough International Airshow is working with several organisations to significant events in the Brigade’s history our top priority and we are pleased to ensure the smooth running and safety including the Sidney Street siege of 1911, once again be working with 3SFire. We of those attending events and festivals the years of the London Blitz and the 1981 were impressed with their thorough in 2016. Brixton riots, just to name but a few, as well as covering key figures within the Brigade 3SFire is wholly owned by Hampshire Fire They deliver specialist training across a such as James Braidwood and Massey and Rescue Authority with 100% of all wide variety of businesses in the private, Shaw. profits being returned to the Authority to public and third sectors, consistently The more personal sections provide assist with running the Fire and Rescue receiving positive feedback and repeat a revealing insight into the bravery, Service. custom. commitment and camaraderie of ordinary All 3SFire trainers and consultants all 3SFire has the capacity to deliver working firefighters and their families. The numerous, often highly dramatic have a fire service background enabling large projects with a small business illustrations, many from the LFB’s own them to share their knowledge and approach This enables them to be totally collection, offer a lively commentary on the expertise gained in real emergency customer-focused, creating bespoke text. situations. solutions that are flexible and responsive to their clients developing requirements. This is a well-crafted book that would grace It provides expert knowledge, skill and the bookshelf of all those interested in the resource to any businesses requiring www.3SFire.co.uk work of the fire service. specialist advice or training in any area of @3SFire_Ltd London’s Firefighters is published by Austin safety and risk management. Macauley. [email protected]

IN ATTENDANCE SUBSCRIPTION FORM In attendance is published four times a year. If you would like to receive regular copies, please complete the form below and send to: Yes, please send me regular copies of IN atteNdaNce magazine Gateacre Press Ltd, BILaIL HOUse, 260 PIctON rOad £18.00 per annum WaVertree, LIVerPOOL L15 4LP Introduce a colleague and receive two copies of each NaMe...... issue for only £30.00 pa

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www.inattendance.co.uk IN ATTENDANCE Spring 2016 | 25 IN ATTENDANCE 4th International Tall Building Fire Safety Conference announced

The fantastic city of The theme of the 2017 Chicago will host the next conference will be Evacuation Tall Building Fire Safety Strategies. Conference in 2017. The conference will seek to The recent high incidence of explore and challenge the Tall Building fires have made current status of simultaneous, this conference even more phased, and delayed strategies relevant and should act at for Business Use Buildings. the perfect place to meet and network with colleagues from With the massive increase in around the World. Tall Residential Buildings, the suitability and performance Continuing the popular of ‘protect in place’ and ‘stay cross functional format of put’ policies will be challenged the 2015 conference, the and debated. main conference will be complimented by three themed New approaches such as ‘breakeout’ seminars on the ‘evacuate and disperse’ with related topics of: the aid of new technology and smart phone apps will be 1/. Tall Building Security detailed and demonstrated. 2/. Tall Building Resilince The main conference will have 3/. Tall Building Firefighting four sections:

Day 1: The Steering Committee of the Tall Building Fire Fire Risk Management of Safety Network seek papers Evacuation and sponsors for the 2017 Use of Fire Alarm and conference. Detection in Evacuation

Day 2: For further information Wayfinding, Human Behaviour contact the Conference and Means of Escape Organisers: Fire Containment and New Tel: + 44 (0) 1304 806873 Technology Email: Days 3 and 4 Theme Days: [email protected]

1/. Tall Building Security Web: 2/. Tall Building Resilience www.tallbuildingfiresafety.com 3/. Tall Building Firefighting

26 | IN ATTENDANCE Spring 2016 www.inattendance.co.uk ALL OUR YESTERDAYS

Some Classic Dennis Fire Engines of Past Years

All these four classic fire engines are in preservation. Nos 1, 2 and 4 are in the care of the Fire Services National Museum Trust’s collection that will form part of the forthcoming FireWorld Museum. 1 1. 1927 Dennis Light 18hp Pump. In service new in Coventry Fire Brigade.

2. 1938 Dennis Ace Limousine Pump. One of the first all-enclosed pumps of its kind. Served with Sonning Fire Brigade, Royal Berkshire

3. 1957 Dennis F21 125ft Metz turntable ladder. In service new with Rochdale Fire Brigade.

4. 1967 Dennis F108 Dual Purpose Pump. Here running as a 50 ft. Pump Escape. New with London Fire Brigade.

2

3 4 www.inattendance.co.uk IN ATTENDANCE Spring 2016 | 27 Experience the benefi ts, The 5th Generation contact us for a demo.

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