Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority Item 7 14 September 2005 Activity Report Report of the Chief Officer

Contact: Deputy Chief Fire Officer Alan House - 023 8062 6831

1	Responding
1.1	The Service has attended a significant number of large incidents during the period of this report. These incidents have involved both commercial and residential premises as well as the usual range of fires and incidents associated with the summer weather and harvest. Many of these incidents could have resulted in significant fire losses but due to the actions of HFRS significant savings were made. A particularly disappointing occurrence for all the crews involved was the fire at the Poplar Farm Inn near Andover. Despite all there efforts at the fire that occurred on the 4 May 2005 when a large proportion of the thatched roof and contents of the premises were saved, another fire on the day it reopened for business totally destroyed the roof and much of the fabric of the building.
1.2	It is disappointing that despite our continued efforts to prevent the loss of life due to fires we have had 3 fire deaths during this period. The fire at Smith's Boat Yard, Hazel Road, Woolston, is currently being jointly considered by HFRS and the Health and Safety Executive to determine if this fire death occurred in a designated work place. It is unusual for a fire death to occur in the workplace because of the fire protection legislation that has been in force for many years.
1.3	The fire at Lasham Farm near Alton required the continuous attendance of crews over a period of 7 days. This was the first incident where we deployed the new all wheel drive `BobCat' that has been issued by the ODPM as part of the increased Civil Protection package. This piece of equipment played an important part in the eventual extinguishment of the 2000 tonnes of burning waste.

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2	Preventing
2.1	Summary of the Fire Challenge Crew (Schools Education) (April to July 2005 - Summer Term) Number of children visited: Key Stage 1 = 6561 Key Stage 2 = 6467 Key Stage 3 = 7996 Key Stage 1: Having completed the 2004/2005 academic year, we have seen 97% of our target audience. This is 7% above our target figure of 90%. Key Stage 2: Having completed the 2004/2005 academic year, we have seen 96% of our target audience. This is 6% above our target figure of 90%. Key Stage 3: Having completed the 2004/2005 academic year, we have seen 31% above our annual target audience. This has been as a direct need to target pupils in high arson areas of the county. A full report of the Fire Challenge Crews activities for the academic year 2004/2005 will be available in October.
2.2	Community Fire Safety Youth Projects Junior Citizens: These are multi agency events used to raise the awareness of children in Year 6 to essential safety messages to help to keep them safe in situations that they may encounter. This year the CFS Department has supported 6 events throughout the county providing Home Fire Safety information to 4168 children. Science Fairs: These are run by different organisations in liaison with local schools to support the national curriculum. Community Fire Safety involvement demonstrates how science can give an early warning of fire allowing them to escape safely. This year the CFS Department has attended 7 venues and engaged with 3012 children.

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2.3	Summary of Campaign Activity (16 April 2005 to 14 October 2005) - National and Hampshire Wide Safety Campaigns
2.3.1	Kitchen Fire Safety Campaign Hampshire Campaign: 16 April to 28 May. Aim: This campaign recognised the potential for information and education to reduce fires, deaths and injuries from accidents in the kitchen and from cooking in particular. Summary of Activities: HFRS media coverage in local newspapers detailing the objectives of the campaign and key safety messages. This included a chip pan competition, the winner receiving a thermatically controlled chip pan donated by John Lewis Partnership and a dinner at Harry Ramsdens in West Quay. - Commercial radio kitchen safety advertisements on Ocean FM, Power FM and Capital Gold; these ran from 16 4 05 to 28 5 05. - Hampshire wide distribution of leaflets and posters. - Countywide use of the Kitchen Fire Safety Unit at events throughout Hampshire. - Display stands at events and shopping centres across Hampshire. Delivery Partners: HFRS CFS Department, HFRS Marketing and Communications Department, HFRS Web Team, Portsmouth University (Student Union and Halls of Residence), All Hampshire, Southampton and Portsmouth Libraries, Hythe and Totton childminders groups, Hampshire Association of Childminders, OAP groups throughout Hampshire, one day events held in Gunwharf Quay, Portsmouth, West Quay, Southampton, and the Brook Centre, Winchester.

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2.3.2	Summer Safety Campaign Hampshire Campaign: 1 June to 31 August. Aim: To promote a positive safety message during the summer months of "Have a great and safe summer". This campaign will bring together a number of seasonal safety messages that will include: Countryside safety, camping and caravanning, barbecue, water safety, road safety, arson reduction, careless disposal of smoking materials in the countryside, home and holiday fire safety and escape plan awareness. Summary of Activities: HFRS media coverage in local newspapers detailing the objectives of the campaign and key safety messages, commercial radio, Hampshire wide distribution of leaflets and posters, HFRS website homepage, countywide use of the Kitchen Fire Safety Unit at events throughout Hampshire, display stands giving out safety advice at events and shopping centres across Hampshire, these include: 5 July - Food Festival - Eastleigh HQ 10 July - Fireshow - Eastleigh HQ 10 July - Alton Show - Alton 23 July - The Brook Centre - Winchester 30 July - West Quay - Southampton 5-7 August - Portsmouth and Southsea Show - Southsea Delivery Partners: HFRS CFS Department, HFRS Marketing and Communications Department, HFRS Web Team, Portsmouth University (Student Union and Halls of Residence), All Hampshire, Southampton and Portsmouth Libraries, The Forestry Commission, RoSPA, Community groups throughout Hampshire, West Quay, Southampton, and the Brook Centre, Winchester.
2.3.3	Chimney and Thatched Property - Fire Prevention Campaign Hampshire Campaign: 1 September to 18 September. Aim: To reduce preventable fires in thatched properties and raise the awareness of the risk of chimney fires. Summary of Activities: Personalised letter and information leaflet sent to all known thatched property owner/occupiers in Hampshire. Press release to all local press and media. Last years campaign resulted in a reduction in fires in thatched properties by 19%. Delivery Partners: CFS Department, HFRS Marketing and Communications Department, HFRS Web Team, HFRS Central Services, Hampshire County Council and National Farmers Union.

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2.3.4	Electric Blanket Campaign Hampshire Campaign: 26 September to 14 October. Aim: To promote the safe use of electric blankets in the home. To identify faulty blankets and remove them from use. Summary of Activities: 7 fire stations utilised plus Wells Place Church Hall, Eastleigh, Gosport Town Hall, Ferneham Hall, Fareham, and Popley Fields Community Centre to allow local testing of blankets brought in by appointment. Appointments are made through a central number maintained and controlled by the Hampshire Trading Standards. Delivery Partners: CFS Department, HFRS Marketing and Communications Department, HFRS Web Team, HCC Trading Standards, Gems Engineering, New Forest DC, Test Valley BC, Winchester CC, Eastleigh BC, Gosport BC, East Hants DC, Fareham BC, Havant BC, Basingstoke and Deane BC, Age Concern. The following fire stations: New Milton, Hythe, Romsey, Winchester, Lymington, Alton and Havant.
2.3.5	Boat Safety Recent incidents have highlighted the dangers of working with, or in the vicinity of, various types of fuels on boats. Press releases have already been issued to local and national news media. However, with the aim of raising the boat owners awareness, Community Fire Safety, in conjunction with Marketing and Communications, will be working with selected national trade magazines in producing `boat safety' articles. It is hoped these articles will be published towards the end of 2005.
2.4	Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership Induction Pack ADO Carlton Kerr has been acknowledged on the www.community-safety.net/member/safety.htm for his assistance in the production of a Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership Induction Package. At the request of the Hants and IOW Area Manager of the Government Office South East Crime Reduction Team, he has also produced a Powerpoint presentation designed to be used as a multi agency training package for existing and new members to Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships. An existing training package produced by ADO Kerr on Fire Service and Accredited Community Safety Officers/Neighbourhood Wardens partnership working, which was seen as a good example of best practice within crime reduction, was also requested by GOSE for dissemination to other counties.

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3	Protecting
3.1	Community Fire Risk Management Information System (CFRMIS) The new fire safety system went live to users on the 1 August 2005, after 18 months of development. This system provides a strategic management tool to assist with meeting the aims and objectives of Integrated Risk Management Planning. The new system will enable all information on risk, (premises) in Hampshire. Each risk is assigned a risk rating which drives the technical fire safety re-inspection programme, and assists in the targeting of resources to high risk groups. The system is interfaced with other IT systems such as Command and Control, SAP, Outlook, Computer Aided Drawing (CAD) and a Geographic Information System. Further development is required to complete the project and meet our full business requirements, which include flexible working arrangements utilising computer tablets, providing services at the point of delivery and meeting e-government objectives.
3.2	E-fire Business Stream and Self Assessment Tool-kit for Business HFRS has developed a self assessment tool-kit for business which enables the user to determine their compliance with Fire Safety Regulations. This tool-kit has been accepted to be part of the services provided to business using the E-fire portal being provided by the ODPM. We will use this tool-kit to target new premises not known to our existing database and those which have been assigned Low and Very Low risk ratings. This provides a key and very important part in our inspection strategy enabling us to review all premises over a reasonable and realistic time using available resources.
3.3	Health and Fire Inspections of HFRS Premises Technical Fire Safety support group have commenced the process of Health and Fire Safety Audits of HFRS premises in support of the Health Safety and Welfare Department. This process will establish a clear record compliance levels within Health and Safety guidance and policy.
3.4	National Guidance Supporting the Chief Fire Officers Association The on-going work in preparing national policy directives, processes, forms and letters for the delivery of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order is near completion. The work is currently displayed on out web site providing assistance to all brigades in the Country. Recently a cross mapping tool-kit has been developed by Hampshire which enables the various levels of codes used by fire and rescue services, building controls, valuation office and the ODPM to be identified from one unique code reference.
3.5	Enforcement Having aligned our inspection outcomes with the Local Authority Unit Enforcement Management Model, improved consistency of the enforcement levels have been experienced showing a significant increase in the number of enforcement and prohibition notices being issued. As a direct result of this activities, we currently have two cases where prosecution action is being considered by our legal advisors.

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4	Group Activity

Note: Preventing statistics cover the period 1 June to 15 August. Due to the introduction of a new statistical data recording system, the figures presented appear to be low, this is due to `teething' problems resulting in approximately a 6 week backlog of records awaiting to be entered.

Basingstoke and Deane

Preventing	Community Support Team:
	Number of dwelling fires attended: Number of properties visited: Audience numbers during visit: Number of smoke detectors fitted as a result of these visits:	7 105 22 7
	Operational Crews - Talks:
	Number: Audience numbers:	3
	Operational Crews - Home Fire Safety Visits:
	Number: Audience numbers: Number of smoke detectors fitted:	15 32
Protecting	The first of the new Premises Risk Management Plans, designed to enhance the reduction of risk in identified premises, has now been completed for the Festival Place shopping centre. This will lead to a testing of the Response and Protection arrangements in the form of a major exercise.
	North Group technical fire safety have provided a liaison officer to assist with the community risk reduction activities as part of the Popley Fields project. This is a good demonstration of internal partnership working to meet the requirements of the IRMP. A review will be held during the next quarter to determine the roll out to the remainder of the Group.
	Two enforcement notices, under the requirements of the Fire Precautions Workplace Regulations, have been issued during this reporting period. One to a Restaurant and the other to a sports facility.
	A large proportion of the licensed premises in this area have submitted applications required under the Licensing Act 2003. However, it is estimated that a significant number of the premises required to apply, still need to do so.
Responding	No significant activity.

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Rushmoor and Hart

Preventing	Community Support Team:
	Number of dwelling fires attended: Number of properties visited: Audience numbers during visit: Number of smoke detectors fitted as a result of these visits:	9 173 13 0
	Operational Crews - Talks:
	Number: Audience numbers:	6
	Operational Crews - Home Fire Safety Visits:
	Number: Audience numbers: Number of smoke detectors fitted:	6 11
Protecting	Discussions between HFRS (Protection and Response), Local Authority, Police, Ambulance and Muslim organisers regarding 39th Jalsa Salana festival. An estimated 25-30,000 visitors are expected from 29-31 July. Discussions have revolved around providing a safe environment, compliant with relevant fire safety legislation.
	Pre-building regulation consultation meetings have taken place between HFRS, architects, local authority building control and Surrey Health Authority concerning the new development of Hospital Hill Health Centre. The meetings have been aimed at providing a fire engineered solution to reduce risk to the public at the design stage of the project.
	A large proportion of the licensed premises in this area have submitted applications required under the Licensing Act 2003. However, it is estimated that a significant number of the premises required to apply, still need to do so.
	A large proportion of the licensed premises in this area have submitted applications required under the Licensing Act 2003. However, it is estimated that a significant number of the premises required to apply, still need to do so.
Responding	No significant activity.

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East Hampshire

Preventing	Community Support Team:
	Number of dwelling fires attended: Number of properties visited: Audience numbers during visit: Number of smoke detectors fitted as a result of these visits:	8 60 29 11
	Operational Crews - Talks:
	Number: Audience numbers:	0
	Operational Crews - Home Fire Safety Visits:
	Number: Audience numbers: Number of smoke detectors fitted:	12 38
Protecting	Approximately 200 new license applications have been processed.
	Following on from the success of the Portsmouth partnership for joint inspections of high-risk HMO's, we are now entering into a similar partnership with East Hants. Commencing in October we will be undertaking joint inspections with Private Sector Housing Officers to ensure that all high-risk HMO's comply with Housing Act fire safety standards.
Responding	18 May 2005: Crews from Alton and Alresford attended a fire at Merlin Court, Merlin Road in Four Marks. They extinguished a fire in the kitchen of a ground floor flat using one hosereel and 4 breathing apparatus. The body of an elderly male resident was located in the premises and it was later confirmed that this was a fatal fire.
	6 August 2005: Crews were mobilised to a barn fire at Avenue Road, Lasham, and pumps were made up to 4 with numerous special appliances attending including 4 water carriers and an Aerial Ladder Platform. The fire involved a metal framed barn, 45 metres by 25 metres with asbestos cement sheeting roof. The structure contained 2,000 tonnes of compressed shredded waste paper and plastic which was for use as fuel for a power station. Crews were in attendance at the site for nearly a week (162 hours in total) using 5 jets, 4 monitors (one from an aerial ladder platform) and mechanical diggers to remove and spread the product over adjacent fields to allow it to be extinguished or burnt under controlled conditions. This incident saw the first mobilisation of one of the New Dimensions Prime Movers with the Multi Purpose Vehicle. This was used by members of the Hampshire Urban Search and Rescue Team to assist in removing the burning product from the barn. The incident required a considerable amount of work for Control staff organising relief crews for pumps and special appliances throughout what was a busy week and at a time when numerous retained pumps were off the run for crewing reasons. Control spent much of their time balancing crewing around the county to provide a suitable level of fire cover.

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Fareham and Gosport

Preventing	Community Support Team:
	Number of dwelling fires attended: Number of properties visited: Audience numbers during visit: Number of smoke detectors fitted as a result of these visits:	4 122 17 0
	Operational Crews - Talks:
	Number: Audience numbers:	8
	Operational Crews - Home Fire Safety Visits:
	Number: Audience numbers: Number of smoke detectors fitted:	29 75
Protecting	Approximately 150 new license applications have been processed.
	Approximately 225 new license applications have been processed.
	Preliminary discussion has take place with the Environmental Health Department with a view to entering into a partnership for joint inspections of high-risk HMO's. I hope to report the successful completion of an agreement in the next Activity Report.
Responding	24 June 2005: During an extremely busy period in Fire Control caused by a freak thunderstorm in the south east of the county, 17 calls were received to a fire at the Holiday Inn in Cartwright Drive, Titchfield. Callers reported that they had seen lightning strikes in the area and first crews in attendance indicated that the building was well alight. Pumps were made up to 8 and then to 12 with requests for an ALP and numerous other special appliances. The building of 2 floors, 105 metres by 70 metres suffered severe fire damage to 30% of the roof, and the bar, reception and function room, 4 jets, 1 ground monitor, 1 hosereel and 38 breathing apparatus were used during the firefighting operation. At the same time the Service were extremely busy throughout the south east of the county dealing with numerous other fire, flooding and alarm calls.
	19 August 2005: The southern areas of the county suffered very heavy rainfall commencing in the Lymington area and moving west to east to Fareham, Gosport, Portsmouth and Havant. Calls started to be received at 0430 hours and continued through to mid morning. Throughout this period 126 calls were received to flooded properties, 33 calls to AFAs due to the weather, 2 properties were struck by lightning and 2 calls were received to members of the public trapped in their vehicles by flood water. Meteorologists reported that 1½ inches of rain fell within a 30 minute period. It is interesting to note that the public are becoming more aware and despite making emergency calls to the Service realise that there is little we can do to assist unless lives are threatened or vulnerable people are involved.

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Portsmouth and Havant

Preventing	Community Support Team:
	Number of dwelling fires attended: Number of properties visited: Audience numbers during visit: Number of smoke detectors fitted as a result of these visits:	13 222 44 0
	Operational Crews - Talks:
	Number: Audience numbers:	8
	Operational Crews - Home Fire Safety Visits:
	Number: Audience numbers: Number of smoke detectors fitted:	91 242
Protecting	As Spinnaker Tower nears completion a great deal of time is being devoted to ensure the fire strategy and management procedures are constantly updated and refined. A TFS officer has been assisting in the training of the new employees to ensure they are fully conversant with the evacuation procedures and our operational response. All 12 watches of the 3 City fire stations have received a comprehensive briefing on the Towers firefighting and fire safety facilities from TFS personnel. This has been followed by guided tours of the Tower so that operational personnel are now familiar with the locations and operation of the fire safety and firefighting facilities.
	Approximately 2 years ago we started monthly seminars with the aim of explaining to employers their responsibilities under fire safety legislation. Our target audience is employers who are about to receive an Audit Inspection of their workplace. This has proved very popular and is well received, so we are now taking the seminars out into the workplace and tailoring it to suite different groups. For example, managers of Portsmouth Hospitals Trust and Portsmouth Housing Association. We have contacted `Ethnic Pride' and we will be taking the seminar to members of that Group. We are developing several other initiatives to reach other black and ethnic minority groups in the area.
	We will be working with the Students Union to tell first year students at Portsmouth University about safety in the workplace. Currently the Union briefs students who will be looking for casual work on employment law in respect of pay and hours etc, but little on H&S and fire safety in the workplace. We will brief students on fire safety legislation as it applies to employers and employees and hopefully this knowledge will help them as they move on to full time employment.
	The new Licensing Act has created a significant amount of work over and above or normal workload. In Portsmouth we have processed approximately 400 license applications.
	Following concerns raised by Cosham fire fighters about FS standards in a shop and verified by a FSO, a Section 10 Notice was serviced. The Noticed restricted the use of the first floor until standards are improved.

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Approximately 170 new license applications have been processed. Note: The new Licensing Act has generated approximately 1145 applications in East Group which had to be processed. Although the new Act commenced on the 7 February, the late response by applicants meant that most applications weren't received until June or July, just before the cut off date of the 6 August. This has coincided with the busy leave period for FSO's.

Responding

19 August 2005: The southern areas of the county suffered very heavy rainfall commencing in the Lymington area and moving west to east to Fareham, Gosport, Portsmouth and Havant. Calls started to be received at 0430 hours and continued through to mid morning. Throughout this period 126 calls were received to flooded properties, 33 calls to AFAs due to the weather, 2 properties were struck by lightning and 2 calls were received to members of the public trapped in their vehicles by flood water. Meteorologists reported that 1½ inches of rain fell within a 30 minute period. It is interesting to note that the public are becoming more aware and despite making emergency calls to the Service realise that there is little we can do to assist unless lives are threatened or vulnerable people are involved.

Winchester

Preventing	Community Support Team:
	Number of dwelling fires attended: Number of properties visited: Audience numbers during visit: Number of smoke detectors fitted as a result of these visits:	4 90 22 3
	Operational Crews - Talks:
	Number: Audience numbers:	5
	Operational Crews - Home Fire Safety Visits:
	Number: Audience numbers: Number of smoke detectors fitted:	67 168
Protecting	A local action plan has been produced by the Office Manager, as a pilot for the remainder of the Group, to determine how the local office will support the Group Action Plan and the Corporate aims to actively reduce risk and make Hampshire safer.
	A large proportion of the licensed premises in this area have submitted applications required under the Licensing Act 2003. However, it is estimated that a significant number of the premises required to apply, still need to do so.
Responding	22 June 2005: Crews mobilised to a fire on a building site in Hoe Road, Bishops Waltham, found a range of timber framed buildings under construction severely involved in fire. Pumps were made up to 5 with 5 jets being used to bring the fire under control and provide cooling jets for adjacent properties. The structures were severely damaged by fire and collapse and 3 adjacent bungalows also suffered minor damage from radiated heat. Police subsequently arrested a female in relation to this incident.

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12 June 2005: Calls received to a fire at Sparrow Close, Wecock Farm Estate, Waterlooville, indicated persons were still inside the building. The fire that started on the first floor landing spread to a flat and 7 persons were rescued by Police and HFRS together with 2 dogs before the fire was brought under control. Two of the Police Officers required rescuing by HFRS. All suffered varying degrees of smoke inhalation.

8 June 2005: Crews mobilised to deal with a caravan fire at the Showground in Botley Road, Shedfield, located the body of a 33 year old male within the remains of the caravan. The fire was quickly brought under control but unfortunately during the firefighting operation 2 members of the crew were bitten by an alsation dog.

Test Valley and Eastleigh

Preventing	Community Support Team:
	Number of dwelling fires attended: Number of properties visited: Audience numbers during visit: Number of smoke detectors fitted as a result of these visits:	7 117 45 8
	Operational Crews - Talks:
	Number: Audience numbers:	2
	Operational Crews - Home Fire Safety Visits:
	Number: Audience numbers: Number of smoke detectors fitted:	68 137
Protecting	As part of the realignment of the TFS boundaries, a proposal to amalgamate the fire safety offices at Winchester and Andover has been produced for consideration by Group Management, prior to submission to TFS Policy Group for approval.
	A risk profiling exercise has commenced for the Test Valley/Winchester area to determine the optimum use of resources for this Group.
	A large proportion of the licensed premises in this area have submitted applications required under the Licensing Act 2003. However, it is estimated that a significant number of the premises required to apply, still need to do so.
Responding	26 June 2005: A fire at East Field House, Forton near Longparish was well alight when the first crews arrived. Unfortunately the occupiers were away on holiday so the fire got a severe hold before smoke became visible to passers by. Pumps were quickly made up to 8 but the building suffered extensive fire damage to 100% of the first and second floors and 40% of the ground floor. Four jets, 4 hosereels and 6 breathing apparatus were used to contain the fire.
	24 June 2005: The roof and first floor of both of a pair of semi-detached properties in Salisbury Road at Broughton suffered fire damage. Six pump crews brought the fire under control using 2 jets and 18 breathing apparatus and extensive salvage work was carried out at the premises.

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	15 June 2005: A further thatched roof fire occurred at Clover Cottage, on the A343 Road at Middle Wallop. Pumps were made up to 8 and a Water Carrier was requested. Crews quickly set about salvaging the contents of the property and 100% were saved. Two firebreaks were made in the roof and a good stop was achieved with only 25% of the roof being damaged by fire. One jet, 3 hosereels and 24 breathing apparatus were used during the firefighting operation.
	26 May 2005: On my previous report I supplied details of the serious fire at the Poplar Farm Inn, a thatched public house in Old Salisbury Road, Abbotts Ann near Andover. A second serious fire was reported at the same location 3 weeks later and the initial attending pumps were quickly made up to 12 with an ALP and 4 Water Carriers also requested. On this occasion 100% of the traditional brick, tiled and thatched building was destroyed by fire and crews used 5 jets, 8 hosereels, 1 ALP monitor and 40 breathing apparatus to bring it under control. Police are continuing with their investigations and awaiting forensic reports to assist in determining the cause.
	18 May 2005: Three pumps were mobilised on the initial call to reports of a fire at the Onyx Household Waste Transfer Station at Harewood Forest Industrial Estate, Longparish, near Andover. Pumps were made up to 6 and an Aerial Ladder Platform (ALP) and 2 Water Carriers were requested. Access to the building proved extremely difficult as roller shutter doors had distorted in the intense heat and could not be raised. Ventilation was achieved using the ALP to get personnel over the top of the building to cut holes through the roof cladding and access was eventually gained through the doors using angle grinders. The 45 by 35 metre building and contents were severely damaged by the fire which was extinguished with 4 jets and breathing apparatus. On site personnel used a mechanical digger to remove the rubbish which was then extinguished outside of the building. Fire crews remained on site for more than 40 hours damping down and turning over.

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Southampton

Preventing	Community Support Team:
	Number of dwelling fires attended: Number of properties visited: Audience numbers during visit: Number of smoke detectors fitted as a result of these visits:	24 379 75 21
	Operational Crews - Talks:
	Number: Audience numbers:	14
	Operational Crews - Home Fire Safety Visits:
	Number: Audience numbers: Number of smoke detectors fitted:	9 21
Protecting	Discussions between HFRS (Protection and Response), Local Authority, Police, Ambulance and organisers regarding the Power in the Park Concert at Southampton Common on 24th July. Discussions have revolved around providing a safe environment, compliant with relevant fire safety legislation. This has been different to previous years due to the requirement to enclose concert site. Estimated attendance of 5000.
	Consultation meetings have taken place between HFRS the Managers of Phillips Semi Conductors and their contractors. The meetings have been aimed at assisting with the development of a new AFD system for their large complex premises at Millbrook This premises has been the subject of a significant number of false alarms due to their existing AFD System. Familiarisation inspections being arranged with Response.
	A large proportion of the licensed premises in this area have submitted applications required under the Licensing Act 2003. However, it is estimated that a significant number of the premises required to apply, still need to do so. We are now receiving new applications following the passing of the first appointed date. In the region of 1 800 applications have been received and processed. 200 new applications have so far been received and are to be processed. To assist with this process West Group TFS are attending meetings with Southampton City Council Licensing Committee.
	A partnership approach has been developed with Southampton City Council concerning their numerous High-Rise residential premises. Advice is given to Southampton City Council's Emergency Planning Officer on fire safety systems and procedures within these premises. A memo of understanding is being drafted to assist with this partnership.
	A partnership approach has been developed with Southampton Environmental Health Department concerning the large number of Houses of Multiple Occupation within Southampton. Joint inspections are being arranged with the Environmental Health Officers to ensure satisfactory standards of fire safety systems and procedures within these premises. A Partnership Agreement has been drafted to formalize this partnership.

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	A partnership approach has been developed with Southampton Free Trade Zone within Western Docks, Southampton. Advice is given on fire safety systems and procedures within these exceptionally large buildings.
	The first of the new Premises Risk Management Plans, designed to enhance the reduction of risk in identified premises, is now reaching completion for the West Quays shopping centre. This will lead to a testing of the Response and Protection arrangements in the form of a major exercise.
Responding	1 June 2005: Six pumping appliances and an ALP were requested when fire was reported in a building under refurbishment at 53 The Avenue, Southampton. The building of 2 floors, 17 metres by 9 metres, suffered extensive damage by fire which was extinguished using 4 jets, 4 hosereels and 18 breathing apparatus.
	12 August 2005: Numerous emergency calls were received to a boat on fire on the quay at Smiths Boatyard, Hazel Road, Woolston. Callers reported explosions as cylinders became involved in the fire. Pumps were quickly made up to 5, with reports that 6 boats ranging in size from 25 to 50 feet were involved. A message was received from the fireground indicating `persons reported' with 4 propane cylinders having exploded and numerous others involved, 6 jets and 4 BA were in use. The stop message indicated that the 6 boats were involved and foam was used in addition to the 6 jets, one male person perished in the fire and another male was taken to hospital suffering from burns.

New Forest North

Preventing	Community Support Team:
	Number of dwelling fires attended: Number of properties visited: Audience numbers during visit: Number of smoke detectors fitted as a result of these visits:	1 6 3 5
	Operational Crews - Talks:
	Number: Audience numbers:	0
	Operational Crews - Home Fire Safety Visits:
	Number: Audience numbers: Number of smoke detectors fitted:	1 4
Protecting	The integrated approach to risk reduction in this area has commenced for Breamore House, Near Fordingbridge. This initiative involves the occupier, Fire Safety Inspectors, (Protection) and Response working together with other relevant agencies to reduce all aspects of risk within this historic building.
	A large proportion of the licensed premises in this area have submitted applications required under the Licensing Act 2003. However, it is estimated that a significant number of the premises required to apply, still need to do so. To assist with this process West Group TFS are attending meetings with New Forest District Council Licensing Committee.
Responding	No significant activity.

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New Forest South

Preventing	Community Support Team:
	Number of dwelling fires attended: Number of properties visited: Audience numbers during visit: Number of smoke detectors fitted as a result of these visits:	6 86 41 3
	Operational Crews - Talks:
	Number: Audience numbers:	1
	Operational Crews - Home Fire Safety Visits:
	Number: Audience numbers: Number of smoke detectors fitted:	56 117
Protecting	The integrated approach to risk reduction planning is ongoing, with liaison between Protection and all Response Groups in the West Group area. Initial efforts have been focused towards the very high risk sites along the Waterside in New Forest South area. This will involve the occupiers, HSE, Response and Protection.
	An approach by NFDC Listed Buildings department is being actioned, with the view to attending training sessions and development of a partnership approach to deal with heritage stock within the area.
	A large proportion of the licensed premises in this area have submitted applications required under the Licensing Act 2003. However, it is estimated that a significant number of the premises required to apply, still need to do so. To assist with this process West Group TFS are attending meetings with New Forest District Council Licensing Committee.
Responding	16 August 2005: Numerous emergency calls were received to a boat on fire in Hythe Marina and the first crews in attendance made pumps up to 5. One 10 metre motor cruiser was well alight and quickly spread to an adjacent smaller boat. Three jets, one fan spray, one monitor and foam were used to bring the fire under control and there were concerns for 5 members of the public who were involved, one suffering burns and the others suffering from smoke inhalation and shock after jumping into the water. Crews administered oxygen before these people were transferred to hospital.

Reporting Period

The Service as a whole continues to be at a high state of readiness because of the national threat of terrorist activity. The events of 7 July in London brought it home to everyone throughout the country how this threat is ever present and why we need to remain vigilant. On that day contingency arrangements were put in place in HFRS and members of the convoy team were placed on alert in case they were requested. We continue to train with new and existing equipment supplied by the ODPM to enable a rapid and appropriate response to such activity wherever it might occur in the country.

cehC/H/ActivityReport 14 9 05/8 August 2005