Friday 24 February 2012

Labour playing party poitics with Scotland's Fire Service

From Info4fire.com
My Comments below.

The SNP are partaking in a “frantic rush” to establish a single Scottish fire service, according to Scottish Labour.

It was revealed that the single Scottish fire and police services will aim to be established on 1 April 2013, at a meeting of the local government and regeneration committee on Wednesday.

Discussing the Scottish Government’s Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Bill, they also revealed that the fire service will be based at Perth Community Fire Station, while the police service will be based at the Scottish Police College in Fife.

Chairman of the Chief Fire Officers Association in Scotland, Alex Clark, welcomed the news that the interim headquarters for the service would be in Perth, and also moved to reassure the public that the reforms would not negatively impact on current or future services.

He said, "On behalf of all Scottish Fire and Rescue personnel, I'd like to reassure the public that wherever we are based, our communities can continue to expect the same high quality service."

Scottish Labour however warned that the “frantic rush” to meet justice secretary Kenny MacAskill’s “artificial deadline” will mean that thousands of jobs will be lost with very minimal cost savings when compared to if the job was done “properly”.

Lewis Macdonald, Labour’s justice spokesman said, "Our police and fire services are far too important to be subject to short-term political fixes.

"Ministers need to explain why they are proposing the structures outlined in the bill, with no period for transition from eight forces to one and no shadow authorities to manage the change.

"So far, with no explanations offered, the jury is out on whether the target date of 1 April 2013 can really be delivered."

The Labour Party in Scotland will say anything to demean or lessen the impact of measures taken by the Scottish Government. These measures have had a long consultation and Lewis MacDonald no doubt responded to this.There is no unseemly rush at all. Meetings have been held and all agree the timescale.
CFOA Scotland and the FBU have largely accepted and welcomed the proposals.

Party policicts should have no bearing on what is right for the Scottish Fire Service and the people of Scotland

Wednesday 22 February 2012

Chinese takeaway fined £11,000 for breaching fire safety regulations.

17 Feb 2012 From FIA

The owner of a Chinese takeaway has been fined more than £11,000 for breaching fire safety regulations.

Onn Yan Lai, joint owner of the Kings Chinese takeaway in Thatcham, Berkshire, was fined a total of £11,219 after pleading guilty to 12 offences under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 at Reading Magistrates Court on 1st February.

The charges were brought by Royal Berkshire Fire Authority (RBFA) after fire safety officers inspected the restaurant, which was also used as sleeping accommodation by staff, in July 2010.

Among the breaches found during the inspection were a lack of a fire risk assessment, no adequate fire alarm system and inadequate fire protection for and obstruction of escape routes.

David Walden, RBFA's fire safety legal support manager, claimed that some firms still do not see compliance with fire safety legislation as mandatory.

He said: "This financial penalty shows that the courts do not agree. This was a clear refusal to meet statutory requirements to ensure the premises was provided with adequate fire safety measures."

Twenty Care Home residents had to be evacuated from Fire

21 Feb 2012 FIA

Twenty elderly residents had to be evacuated from a care home in London after a fire started in a laundry room.
London Fire and Rescue Service were called to Elmglade Nursing Home in Sutton at around 4pm yesterday afternoon (20th February), reports the Sutton Guardian.
A total of 20 firefighters arrived at the incident to tackle the small scale blaze, which took less than an hour to get under control.
One resident and one member of staff had to be rescued by firefighters from the first floor, while another resident had to be treated by for a cut to the leg.
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, (The Fire (Scotland) Act 2005) in Scotland a 'suitable and sufficient' fire risk assessment must be conducted on all commercial properties in England, Wales and Scotland.
If the fire risk assessment is deemed to be carried out to an insufficient extent, the Responsible Person (Duty Holder) can face an unlimited fine or a prison sentence of up to two years.
An investigation has been launched into the cause of the fire.

Friday 17 February 2012

Whitney Houston fan's candle vigil sparks house blaze

Whitney Houston fan's candle vigil sparks house blaze
A British Whitney Houston fan, Anne Lomax, accidently set fire to her Manchester house during a candle-lit vigil for the star who died at the weekend.
Mrs Lomax was among thousands of fans who paid tribute to Whitney Houston.
The 53 year-old, who had been left "devastated" by the events had been playing the singer's records and saying prayers as she mourned her idol.
She then lit a candle in the 48 year-old star's memory before going to bed. But the curtains then caught fire from a candle flame and the blaze quickly spread to the TV and electrics in the property.

Authorities warned of the dangers of leaving candles on overnight.
Mrs Lomax, from Oldham, Greater Manchester, was woken by her smoke alarms just after 2.30am on Valentine's Day, as the fire service raced to the property.
She managed to escape unscathed along with her three dogs while firemen put out the blaze, but the living room of her semi-detached house, in was destroyed.
''I had been sitting at the computer playing some music and saying a prayer for Whitney Houston," she said. ''I was a big fan and I was just devastated when she died so I thought I'd light a candle. ''I was listening to her music and my thoughts were with Whitney."

She added: "'I had a little tealight on the window sill.
''I thought I had blown it out when I went up to bed but the next thing I knew the smoke alarms were going off.

''I dread to think what would have happened if I didn't have smoke alarms. I could have died."

She continued: ''Everyone has candles these days but you don't realise how dangerous they are.

''People should be careful with candles. I really thought I'd blown it out, I can't believe the damage it has caused. It's devastating.''
Three fire crews from Oldham and Chadderton Fire Stations were called to the house.
Watch manager Rick Taylor said: ''The blaze quickly spread from the curtains to the TV and electrics in the house.
''It caused thick black smoke but thankfully they had a working smoke alarm which gave them an early warning. We also managed to rescue three dogs from the property.''
Greater Manchester Fire Authority chairman David Acton added: ''Candle safety is so important. Never leave candles unattended, whether you're using them to decorate your home or as a religious symbol, they can be dangerous.

''Remember to extinguish candles before you go to sleep and make sure the candle is standing up straight and is in a proper holder so it can't fall over.''

Houston died in Beverly Hills, California, on Saturday.

Major fire at Perth recycling plant


Major fire at Perth recycling plant. BBC Scotland News.

Emergency services are fighting a large fire at a recycling centre in Perth, close to the A9. Video courtesy of Ian Haig
A crowd of people had to run to safety after a gas canister exploded during a major blaze at a Perth recycling plant.

Staff at Wyllie Recycling and neighbouring units were evacuated as a result of the fire, which could be seen for miles around.

The exploding canister sent shrapnel flying more than 40ft, with one piece of debris landing in a field where people had been watching the fire.

Firefighters were called to the Inveralmond industrial estate at 07:40.

Tayside Fire Service said about 100 tonnes of rubbish had caught fire, causing a mile-high plume of black smoke to drift across the A9 dual carriageway and for about five miles across the centre of Perth.

“As soon as we heard the bang we all legged it. People were running for their lives”

The fire is also understood to have spread to other buildings on the site and is close to a kerosene tank which is causing concern to firefighters.

Witness Gerry Scott, 27, said he had been driving to work in Perth when he saw the smoke rising from the recycling plant in Ruthvenfield Way and pulled over to watch with workers from the estate and other motorists.

He said: "You could feel the heat from it a long way back. Then there was a loud crack, like a car backfiring or fireworks going off, and that must have been some sort of gas canister.

"You could clearly see bits of it flying through the air and the largest piece tore right through the roof of the factory and something like 60 feet into the sky.

"As soon as we heard the bang we all legged it. People were running for their lives and it's just as well they did because bits were landing near where they had been standing."

Motorists reported being able to see the smoke from the blaze up to 20 miles away.

Tayside Fire and Rescue sent 10 fire engines from across Perthshire to fight the blaze, as well as an aerial ladder platform and a command support unit.

The fire caused extensive damage to the unit as paper, cardboard and general waste caught alight.

Police said smoke from the fire was not affecting local roads
An investigation into the source of the blaze has been launched, but it is not believed to be suspicious.

A Tayside Police spokesman said: "We attended a recycling centre in Ruthvenfield Way, Perth, shortly before 8am. We were alerted by Tayside Fire and Rescue to a fire which had taken hold in the yard.

"The smoke is not causing difficulty to road users as it is moving up and over the A9. It is not affecting traffic at this time. Waste paper and cardboard is on fire and the blaze is now under control.

"All members of staff at the recycling centre have been accounted for and neighbouring businesses have been made aware of what has happened."

Scottish Water said people living near the scene of the fire may have their water cut off or experienced low pressure as the fire service tap into the mains supply for water to fight the blaze.

A spokesman for the company added: "When supplies are fully restored customers may also experience some discolouration to their supply, this discolouration is harmless and will gradually disappear as the system returns to normal.

"We apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience and cooperation."

Fire couple rescued from balcony at Kirkcaldy flats

Fire couple rescued from balcony at Kirkcaldy flats. STV News

The pair were rescued from the sixth-floor balcony.


Two people have been rescued from a sixth-floor balcony after a fire broke out in their Fife flat.Fire fire crews were called to the scene at the eight-storey Park View flats at about 00:10.

They found a man and woman on the balcony of the sixth-floor flat and brought them down to safety, Fife Fire and Rescue Service said.

"The pair were treated for smoke inhalation by an ambulance crew but did not need to go to hospital."

Fire Fire and Rescue Service extinguished the blaze by 02:00.

Thursday 16 February 2012

Man injured in Scottish restaurant blaze

Man injured in restaurant blaze

Feb 16 2012

A man has been taken to hospital following a fire at a restaurant.

Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue were called to Waterside Bistro in Haddington, East Lothian just after 10am on Thursday.

The man, 24, suffered facial burns and was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for treatment.

The blaze started in the kitchen of the restaurant where he works.


It was extinguished without any significant damage to the bistro.

Electrics warning after short circuit starts blaze. 2 seriously Injured.

Llandudno fire: Electrics warning after short circuit starts blaze

A man and woman remain in intensive care after the fire on Wednesday. North Wales fire chiefs have warned about the dangers of electrical fires after a blaze at Llandudno.

Fire investigators believe the fire in Trinity Avenue was caused by an electrical short circuit in an under-stairs cupboard.

A man and a woman remain in intensive care after suffering from smoke inhalation and severe burns in the incident on Wednesday morning.

Another man is also in hospital with minor injuries.

Colin Hanks, assistant chief fire officer of North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said the danger of electrical fires was that they could strike "anytime, anywhere".


"It's important to be as prepared as possible in the event of fire, by ensuring that working smoke alarms are fitted in your home and that you have clear escape routes."

Mr Hanks appealed for householders to ensure areas housing electrical items, such as a fuse box, are kept clear of rubbish, papers or other combustible materials which could help a fire to spread.

"There are simple steps which you can take, including not overloading plug sockets, regularly checking for worn or frayed wires, unplugging appliances when not in use, and keeping appliances clean and in good working order," he added.

On Wednesday the Welsh Ambulance Service said paramedics treated the woman at the scene for severe smoke inhalation and first degree burns to her hands, arms and feet.

They also helped the man who had first degree burns to his arms and superficial burns to his back.

The third casualty, a second man, was suffering from smoke inhalation and a minor injury to his hand.

All three were taken to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd at Bodelwyddan

Wednesday 15 February 2012

Fire breaks out at Olympic Park

Fire breaks out at Olympic Park 14 Feb 2012 FIA

Fire crews tackled a blaze at the Olympic Park during the early hours of this morning (14th February).London Fire Brigade was called to the Stratford site at around 10.30pm last night after containers holding 100 kilos of dry wood ash caught fire at the renewable energy centre in the northern section of the park.

Four engines and 25 firefighters were required to extinguish the flames, with some officers remaining on-site in the interest of safety.None of the venues were damaged in the blaze and no injuries were reported.

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, a fire risk assessment must be conducted on all commercial properties in England and Wales.If a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is not carried out, the Responsible Person faces up to two years in prison or an unlimited fine.There are just 164 days to go until the start of the Olympic Games, with the opening ceremony set to begin on July 27th.

In Scotland the Legislation is The Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Duty Holder would face 2 years in prison and /or an unlimited fine.

Teenager to stand trial for school blaze

Teenager to stand trial for starting fire which destroyed primary school. STV

Andrew Stretton, 17, is charged with setting the blaze at East Plean Primary School in 2010.

Stretton pleaded not guilty to the charges at Stirling Sheriff Court on Monday. The teenager will stand trial later this month accused of starting a fire which burned down a Victorian primary school. Andrew Stretton, 17, is charged with starting a fire which led to East Plean Primary School in Stirlingshire being completely destroyed.

On Monday, Stirling Sheriff Court heard the cost of the damage is now being valued as a "seven-figure sum".The school’s 160 pupils were initially bussed to classes in Raploch Primary School in Stirling, more than six miles away. They later moved into specially constructed temporary accommodation in Plean.

Stretton, from Plean, is accused of setting light to a cardboard box after forcing entry to a shed at the school, causing a fire which, it is alleged, then spread from the shed to the main building. He is also accused of stopping people from trying to extinguish the fire, and telling them not to contact the fire brigade on November 6, 2010. He denied the two charges on Monday.

Defence agent Virgil Crawford said he was still waiting on a report with the value of the damage, but the figure was continuing to rise, and a Crown witness was to value it at being a "seven-figure sum". He asked for a further hearing before the trial for investigations in relation to the cost of damage to be carried out. Sheriff Fiona Tait agreed to a further pre-trial hearing on February 20, with the trial taking place at the jury sitting commencing February 27. Forty firefighters and eleven fire engines were involved in tackling the blaze.

Monday 13 February 2012

Pub arsonist sets fire to himself (by accident)

Pub arsonist sets fire to himself (by accident)
06 February 2012



Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service have released footage of a budding arsonist taking part in accidental self-immolation.

The man, who was convicted for two and a half years after pleading guilty to one count of arson, decided to attempt to burn down The Club, in Congleton, Cheshire, after being ejected for causing a fight.


He returned on August 1st 2011 just before 5am equipped with a drinks bottle full of petrol. The man, identified as Michael Morgan, can be seen cycling to the door of the Grade-II listed pub and pouring the fuel through the letterbox and over the door.

He then takes a lighter from his pocket and lights the door – engulfing himself in the flashbang that results.

It is understood Mr Morgan was not seriously injured in the incident, and he can be seen cycling away with his trousers on fire.

Mr Morgan was convicted in December 2011 for one count of arson, but the fire service have only just released the video.

Colin Heyes, the Service's Arson Reduction Manager, said: "This clearly shows how dangerous this sort of reckless behaviour can be and it was fortunate that there was nobody in the property at the time of the fire. The person in the footage ended up going to prison for this crime. Arson costs the taxpayers millions and more importantly it costs people their lives. I would urge anyone who sees someone involved in this sort of crime to report it."

Speaking to the Daily Mail, landlord Steve Ball said, “People will always remember Morgan as the clown on the bike who set himself on fire, and he will have to live with that.”

Sprinklers extinguish blaze at £35m seconday school

Sprinklers extinguish blaze at £35m seconday school. From Info4fire.
13 February 2012



A fire which broke out at a newly built secondary school was successfully extinguished and confined to the room of origin by the building’s sprinkler system.

The fire was caused by a faulty electric heat lamp in the animal care classroom of the £35m Walbottle Campus school in Newcastle, and broke out shortly after 11 am on Saturday 28 January. The school’s sports facilities were being used by around 200 people at the time.

The fire was detected by the fire alarm system and one sprinkler head in the room involved activated.

A number of small animals were in the room involved and all survived.

Firefighting action involved two appliances and eight firefighters, two of whom used breathing apparatus to enter the building and use positive pressure ventilation for smoke clearance.

The damage was limited to a wooden bench and minor smoke damage to the room involved - less than 1% of the whole building.

12th Century church damaged by fire

Oxfordshire 12th Century church damaged by fire. Frokm MOE Magazine

Fire crews worked for 12 hours to save a 900-year-old Oxfordshire church from going up in flames on Sunday.

Firefighters were called to St Mary the Virgin Church in Charlbury at 12:00 GMT as plumes of thick smoke were coming from the church roof.

They were forced to saw through the roof in order to create a fire break to stop the flames spreading.

Arson has been ruled out as the cause of the fire. The fire service said the church was empty at the time.

John Nixon, incident commander for the South Vale area, said eight fire engines were called to the blaze and specialist crews with chainsaws had to saw through the roof.

"It was quite a large fire, it took hold of the roof of the church," he said.

"There was damage to the roof.

"Some of it was caused by us, because the only way of dealing with the fire was to cut out the roof and create a fire break.

"We did save the church from burning down."

'Water damage'

Crews from Charlbury, Chipping Norton, Witney, Banbury, Oxford, Kidlington, Eynsham and Hook Norton attended the incident and remained on site until midnight.

Judy French, vicar of Charlbury with Shorthampton, said the firefighters had been "fantastic".

She said the church was part Norman and parts had also been constructed in the 14th and 15th Centuries.

"Unfortunately the part of the roof which was burnt was 15th Century," he said.

"It's very sad the damage was concentrated in the older parts of the church.

"Inside there's a lot of water damage and fire damage.

"We'll wait to see what today brings and do our best to keep services going."

hotel owner hit with fine of £210,000 in landmark fire safety trial

Barnet hotel owner hit with fine in landmark fire safety trial! From MOE Magazine


Barnet hotel owner has paid the price for ignoring fire safety laws and been hit with a £210,000 fine following a successful prosecution by London Fire Brigade.
The case was a landmark hearing for the UK fire and rescue service, believed to be the first time that a jury – rather than magistrates or an individual judge - has convicted a defendant under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.


The Chumleigh Lodge Hotel Limited and its sole director Michael Wilson, had pleaded not guilty to 12 offences under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The defendants were sentenced at Blackfriars Crown Court on Monday (6 February).


The offences date back to 18 May 2008 when London Fire Brigade was called to a fire at the hotel on Nether Street, Finchley. The blaze had spread quickly from a first floor guest bedroom, up a staircase to the floor above and along a corridor. Three people escaped from the fire, two by using the stairs and a third by climbing out of a second floor window.


Following the fire, London Fire Brigade fire safety inspectors visited the hotel and raised a number of serious fire safety concerns. These included defective fire doors, blocked escape routes and no smoke alarms in some of the hotel’s bedrooms. Mr Wilson was also unable to produce a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment and was found not to have provided staff with adequate fire safety training.


Chairman of London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority Cllr Brian Coleman AM FRSA said: “Business owners have a clear responsibility under fire safety law to ensure that both the public and their employees are as safe as possible from the risk of fire. This verdict sends out a clear message that if these responsibilities are ignored we will not hesitate in prosecuting and people will face serious penalties.”


Notes


Mr Wilson was summonsed to appear before magistrates for contraventions of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The case was first heard at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court on 22February 2010, when Mr Wilson pleaded not guilty to all matters. The case was later committed to Blackfriars Crown Court for trial , which took place between 28 November and 6 December 2011


The fine was apportioned between the corporate defendant, Chumleigh Lodge Hotel Limited (£30,000) and the individual defendant, Michael Wilson (£180,000)


The defendants were further ordered to pay prosecution costs of £50,000; and compensation of £2,000 (to a guest who had to escape the fire through a second floor window).


Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, (The Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 in Scotland) employers or those who have control over a premises (known as the ‘responsible person’) (Duty Holder) are required by law to carry out a fire risk assessment and act on its findings. The risk assessment should also identify actions which need to be taken in order to protect the building from fire. It must be kept under constant review and amended if any changes are made to the premises.


London Fire Brigade carries out around 16,000 fire inspections of premises each year and although the majority of buildings are managed well in regard to fire, there are still too many buildings that do not have an adequate fire risk assessment and as a result have fire exits blocked, inadequate fire alarms or poor training for staff. The Brigade can and does prosecute companies or individuals if there are breaches to fire legislation and though court action is a last resort, recent cases show that the courts will issue fines or even consider prison sentences for serious cases.

Wednesday 8 February 2012

Wilful Fire raising puts lives at risk. Glasgow tower block evacuated,


Fire rescue drama on 14th floor of tower block in Glasgow

Feb 8 2012 By David Taylor Daily Record

FIRE crews rescued a man from a 14th-floor balcony early yesterday after a blaze at a tower block flat.

Police held two youths, aged 18 and 19, over the incident.



More than 30 firefighters raced to the flats in Maryhill, Glasgow, after the fire broke out at around 2.45am.

Crews were on the scene within four minutes.

They took the stranded man to safety, then evacuated all the flats above the 14th floor.

The firefighters used breathing equipment and main hoses to tackle the blaze before searching the building for casualties.

Ambulance crews at the scene gave three residents precautionary check-ups.

The people evacuated from the flats in Wyndford Road were allowed back into their homes at just after 6am.

Strathclyde’s chief fire officer, Brian Sweeney, praised his crews for their “exemplary response”.

He said: “This was a textbook operation by our firefighters.

“It shows that our crews are trained and ready to answer the call to protect the communities they serve.

“While our work to prevent fire, such as the excellent winter safety campaign, is vital, this incident is a sobering reminder that fires still occur.”

Police said: “Officers attended a report of a disturbance at a flat on Wyndford Road.

“They discovered the flat was on fire and alertedStrathclyde Fire and Rescue, who extinguished the fire.

“Two men, aged 18 and 19, were removed from the flat and taken to hospital as a precautionary measure.

“Both are currently detained.”

What kind of mentality do these lads have? There could have been multiple fatalities.

sprinkler systems in vulnerable people's homes

Humberside fire service to fit sprinkler systems in vulnerable people's homes

From Fire Industry Association

See my comments on bold at the bottom of this article.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


06 Feb 2012


Humberside Fire and Rescue Service is set to fit sprinkler systems in vulnerable people's homes, it has been revealed.

The brigade has teamed up with local NHS trusts and councils to begin rolling out the fire suppression systems in the houses of some elderly and disabled people who would be unable to escape their premises in the event of a fire, reports BBC News.

The trial project aims to completely eliminate domestic fire deaths. Last year, six people died in house fires in the region.

Daryl Oprey, head of safety for Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, claimed that the measures can give firefighters more time to get to get an incident.

He told the news provider: "A fire can take hold very quickly and the products of combustion can have a serious effect within minutes. It takes minutes for the fire service to get there and unfortunately on some occasions we are a little bit too late.

"If we can extend the survivability of that person within the home then it will give us that window to get there and help them."

Ten homes are set to take part in the trial, at an average cost of £2,000 per house.

With more and more vulnerable people being cared for in the community this would be a great idea if funds could be made available. These people are at major risk of a fire in their homes and the consequences of any fire would be disasterous.

Investigation into major fire at Strathclyde University


Investigation into major fire at Strathclyde University
From BBC 7th February 2012

More than 50 firefighters Investigation into major fire at Strathclyde
University
More than 50 firefighters helped tackle the blaze.
An investigation is set to begin later into a major fire at Strathclyde University's campus in central Glasgow.

The blaze was reported on the seventh-floor of the James Weir building on
Montrose Street at 19:16 on Tuesday.
It houses part of the engineering faculty and the presence of hazardous
chemicals complicated the operations.

The fire was extinguished at 23:40 and there were no reports of injuries.
Neighbouring buildings were evacuated as a precaution.
Firefighters are currently carrying out dampening-down operations and salvage
work at the scene.

Investigations into the cause of the blaze are due to begin later.
Deputy assistant chief officer Jim Doyle, of Strathclyde Fire and Rescue, was
in command of crews who tackled the blaze.
The blaze in the James Weir building was extinguished at 23: 40

He said: "This was an extremely challenging incident in the centre of
Glasgow, complicated by the building's network of interlinking corridors and the
presence of hazardous chemicals.

"The firefighters' work was exemplary, as they fought through acrid smoke and
intense heat to tackle the blaze and bring it under control as quickly as
possible without a single casualty."
Montrose Street remains closed to traffic between Cathedral Street and George
Street while operations continue.

A statement on the university's Facebook page said: "All classes in the James
Weir Building on Wednesday 8 February have been cancelled. This is due to a fire
which broke out in the building earlier tonight.
"Students will have access to other university facilities as normal and we
will keep you up to date with developments throughout the day."

A 65-year-old woman died following a fire at a house in Newtongrange, Midlothian on Tuesday afternoon (7 February).

A 65-year-old woman died following a fire at a house in Newtongrange, Midlothian on Tuesday afternoon (7 February) From L&B F & RS

Firefighters from Dalkeith and Musselburgh responded to a report of a house alight at Crawlees Cottages on Suttieslea Road shortly after midday. On arrival, they discovered the ground floor of the property well alight.

Twenty firefighters tackled the blaze and rescued a woman from the kitchen area of the two-storey property. She was treated at the scene by firefighters and ambulance crew but was pronounced dead a short time later in hospital.

At the height of the fire six firefighters wearing breathing apparatus and using a hose reel and a line of hose extinguished the blaze.
A spokeswoman for Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue said an investigation into the cause was underway.

Monday 6 February 2012

Diners forced to flee as fire hits Scottish restaurant

Diners forced to flee as fire hits restaurant From Evening Times Share 6 Feb 2012

AN INVESTIGATION was under way today after fire destroyed a popular restaurant. Fire crews spent four hours battling the “significant” blaze at the restaurant in Troon. The alarm was raised at the Lido cafe and bar on West Portland Street at around 11.30am yesterday.

About 30 firefighters and five engines were in attendance at the height of incident – and crews were still there today to ensure there was no further outbreak of fire. Shocked diners and staff were evacuated from the busy eatery when the fire broke out.It quickly spread and soon the building was engulfed in flames which could be seen shooting from the roof. No one was injured and the fire was brought under control by around 3pm.

It is believed the blaze may have started in the kitchen of the restaurant, but a joint probe between the police and fire service has been launched into the cause. Firefighters could be seen standing on the roof of neighbouring buildings assessing the situation. Crew members entered the building wearing breathing apparatus and managed to prevent the flames from spreading.

An aerial rescue platform (ARP) was used to tackle the rising flames on the roof. A Strathclyde Fire and Rescue spokeswoman said: “We received a call at 11.26am to a fire in West Portland Street, Troon. “The first two engines, which came from Troon, arrived to a significant fire which had already started breaking through the roof of the local cafe/bar. “At the height of the fire there were five appliances in attendance, with more than 30 firefighters.

“They were attacking a very well-developed fire wearing breathing apparatus and using main jets which prevented the fire from spreading and escalating out of control.” Fire crews from Kilmarnock and Ardrossan were at the site today. Drivers faced road diversions after the streets surrounding the blaze-hit restaurant were shut. West Portland Street, Shore Road and Academy Street, were all closed in both directions and remained cordoned off today.

The Lido is one of six restaurants owned by entrepreneur Colin Blair, from Kilwinning, operated under his Buzzworks chain, the others being Scotts in Troon and Largs, Elliots and Dome in Prestwick and the Treehouse in Ayr. rachel.loxton@ heraldandtimes.co.uk

Two comments. Staff training and compatrmentation. Seems to be a lack of both otherwise the Fire should not have spread in the manner it did.

Friday 3 February 2012

Wedding venue fined £23,000 for fire safety offences

Wedding venue fined for fire safety offences after breaching prohibition notice 03 February 2012
From Info4fire.

A 14th century ‘luxury’ wedding venue has paid more than £23,000 after pleading guilty to nine offences under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Haslington Hall – a Grade 1 listed building near Crewe used as a wedding venue and offering overnight accommodation for guests – was served with a prohibition notice in 1 October 2009.

The notice was lifted on 30 October 2009 after remedial work was completed, but officers discovered that the venue had been used on the weekend of 24 October, while the notice was still in force.In addition to breaching the prohibition notice, Haslington Hall Ltd pleaded guilty on 30 January 2012 at Chester Magistrates Court of failing to:
  • make a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment,
  • comply with an enforcement notice,
  • provide appropriate fire detectors and alarms,
  • ensure that escape routes and exits could be used as quickly and as safely as possible,
  • by failing to provide adequate fire resisting doors on the escape routes
  • provide adequate and sufficient fire safety training to employees
  • provide emergency routes and exits with signage,
  • as required provide emergency routes and exits with emergency lighting of adequate intensity
  • make and give effect to appropriate arrangements for the effective planning, organisation, control monitoring and review of the preventive and protective measures

"This was an extremely serious case of a business putting people's lives at considerable risk from fire,” said Lee Shears, community fire protection manager for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service."Fire safety is a key part of good business management and Haslington Hall Ltd showed little or no regard for the safety of their guests or employees.”

Wednesday 1 February 2012

Fire Service "stealing" work from Self Employed?

From the FIA 1st February 2012


Message of the Week

Fire and Rescue Authorities Trading in Breach of the Local Government Act 2003 -

The FIA believes that a number of Fire and Rescue Authorities are trading in breach
of the Local Government Act 2003 which requires the setting up of an
arms-length trading company if such trading is profitable. In order to gather
evidence on this matter the FIA has submitted Freedom of Information Requests
to a number of Fire and Rescue Authorities and has written to their Chairs to
gain further information and to ask for immediate cessation of trading if it is
in breach of the Local Government Act 2003.

The replies to the Freedom of Information Requests are due back in mid-February and based upon the information gathered the FIA will then move forward to the next part of its investigation of this matter. If any readers of this message would like to
obtain more information on this subject or if they have evidence that would
inform the situation then they should contact Graham Ellicott via gellicott@fia.uk.com

The Local Government Act 2003 is I believe for England & Wales only.

Counterfeit Glens Vodka- Fire Risk


‘Lethal’ fire risk in counterfeit Vodka manufacturing plant
Five men have been jailed for a total of nearly 18 years after a court heard how a complete lack of fire safety measures at a counterfeit vodka manufacturing and bottling plant could have quickly developed into a lethal blaze, with workers unlikely to survive.The five were sentenced at Hull crown court on 25 November for conspiracy to cheat HM Revenue & Customs of up to £1.5 million. A sixth man is due to be sentenced next month.
The plot was uncovered by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) when they carried out raids in September 2009. They seized nine thousand bottles of fake vodka, branded as Glen’s, manufacturing equipment, bottles and counterfeit packaging at a remote industrial unit at Moscow Farm near Great Dalby, Leicestershire.
The court was told that the absence of fire safety measures in the unit posed a serious and life threatening hazard. The alcohol vapour alone could have triggered a major explosion if the lights had been switched on or a naked flame or cigarette had been lit.An expert witness in the case said that with the stored alcohol and so much combustible material lying around in the barn, a fire could have started at any time with considerable loss of life.
With only one exit point, anyone inside the building would have been very unlikely to survive the blaze.Simon De Kayne, assistant director of criminal investigation for HM Revenue & Customs, said:"This was a substantial production, bottling and distribution plant with the infrastructure to distribute large quantities of counterfeit Glen´s vodka throughout the country. But it was set up without any thought for the safety of those working there or in the area nearby."The gang were fully aware the counterfeit vodka they manufactured contained highly dangerous chemicals making it unfit for human consumption, but were interested only in making a profit at the expense of British taxpayers.”
According to the prosecution, the bottles of vodka seized had professionally printed labels, duty stamps and bottle tops – all of which were counterfeit. Analysis of a sample bottle showed raised levels of methanol which, in high quantities, can pose health risks.In addition over 25,000 litres of pure denatured alcohol (methylated spirits) was seized, enough to make around 100,000 bottles of vodka.

Fighting the flab for Fire-fighters. Can Scotland learn?


Efforts in USA to fight the flab for firefighters. Can Scotland learn?
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WHITE PLAINS — The chatter of hungry men and the clatter of plates fill the kitchen: It is chow time at the firehouse.But don’t expect to see a typical macho meal of steak and potatoes on this menu.Firefighters happily gobbled up grilled chicken breast, romaine salad and mixed fruit on Monday, thanks to Sunny Seward, a White Plains firefighter and certified nutritionist who started an exercise and healthy eating program for his colleagues last year.

“They were actually very open to it,” the 26-year-old said as his crew sat down for lunch at the city’s fire headquarters on Mamaroneck Avenue. “Every meal there is a fruit or vegetable. We reduced the saturated fats. No more hamburgers. No more fried foods. We have limited desserts big-time.”

Job stress, late-night eating and a firehouse culture that promotes big feasts contribute to the high risk of heart attack, hypertension, obesity and diabetes among firefighters, experts say.

Sudden cardiac death has consistently been the top cause of death for on-duty firefighters in the United States, accounting for 40 percent of deaths in the past five years and nearly half in 2010, according to figures from the National Fire Protection Association.“I want to give opportunities to firefighters and let them know there is a preventative way to reduce their chances of heart attacks and heart disease,”

Seward said. “It’s simply by changing lifestyle habits and dietary habits.”After Seward was laid off from White Plains in 2010, he became a certified nutritionist. He was hired back last year and that’s when fellow firefighter Tommy Devine asked for help to get in shape for his September wedding.

Seward now has seven firefighters enrolled in what he has named the Firefighter HealthMaX Plan. They hit the firehouse gym several times a week for 30 to 45 minutes of cardio, and they snack on granola, nuts and fruit smoothies.Seward is the assistant director of nutritional services at Integrated Medicine & Nutrition, a Mount Kisco-based holistic health practice that tracks the firefighters’ progress with blood tests.

How does Scotland's Occupational Health Regime compare? Answers on a water biscuit please.