Archived decisions

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority Item ...

9 February 2005

Activity Report

Report of the Chief Officer

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

1

Responding

1.1

It is disappointing that despite specific safety campaigns that have been delivered to the owners and occupiers of thatched roof properties the Service has attended a number of serious fires involving these types of properties in this quarter. This shows the importance of a continuous commitment to providing specific fire safety advice to targeted risk throughout the county.

1.2

Two notable transport incidents have exercised the excellent cross border working arrangements that are in place. The major rail crash in Royal Berkshire and the coach crash on the A34 both unfortunately resulted in loss of life.

1.3

Operational crews are now delivering Home Fire Safety Checks across the county. This includes part time firefighters who are piloting new initiatives to allow them to visit vulnerable people in their communities and provide fire safety advice and the supply and fitting of smoke detectors.

2

Preventing

2.1

Summary of the Fire Challenge Crew (Schools Education) (September 2004 to December 2004)

Number of children visited:

Key Stage 1 = 6025

Key Stage 2 = 6756

Key Stage 3 = 11253

Key Stage 1: Having completed the first of the 3 terms, we have achieved 34% of our annual target.

Key Stage 2: Having completed the first of the 3 terms, we have achieved 35% of our annual target.

Key Stage 3: Having completed the first of the 3 terms, we have achieved 52% of our annual target.

2.2

Summary of Campaign Activity (15 November 2004 to 15 March 2005) - National and Hampshire-Wide Safety Campaigns

2.2.1

Celebrate Safely - Incorporating Fireworks Safety Campaign

National campaign: 18 October 2004 to 31 December 2004.

Aim: To reduce the number of preventable accidents, injuries and fires attributed to the misuse of fireworks. To promote seasonal safety messages to prevent fires in the home during Christmas and New Year.

Summary of activities: National press and media campaign. Multi agency press and media campaign within Hampshire. CFS and fire crews attending various firework displays and events. Posters displayed and leaflet distributed by identified campaign partners throughout Hampshire. Schools Fire Challenge Team have delivered firework messages within their programme of activities. All schools are using our graphics and safety messages within their newsletters.

Delivery partners: CFS Department, HFRS Marketing and Communications Department, HFRS Web Team, various fire stations, HFRS Fire Challenge Team, Blue Cross, Beaulieu Motor Museum, Gunwharf Quays, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Hampshire Police, Hampshire Trading Standards, Woolworths and Hampshire Libraries.

2.2.2

Smoke Alarm Maintenance Campaign

National campaign: January to February 2005.

Aim: To promote smoke alarm maintenance by regular testing and cleaning. To reinforce the message that smoke alarms save lives.

Summary of activities: National media coverage in selected consumer publications and TV magazines. National TV commercials and local commercial radio advertisement. National campaign leaflets and display of banners. HFRS local press and media campaign.

Delivery partners: ODPM, National Community Fire Safety Centre, CFS Department, HFRS Marketing and Communications Department and HFRS Web Team.

2.2.3

Smoking Materials Campaign

National campaign: 1 March 2005 to 31 March 2005.

Aim: To remind people of the dangers of careless smoking and storage of smoking materials; aimed at risk groups.

Summary of activities: National media coverage in selected consumer publications and TV magazines. National TV commercials and local commercial radio advertisements. National campaign leaflets and display of banners. HFRS local press and media campaign.

Delivery partners: ODPM, National Community Fire Safety Centre, CFS Department, HFRS Marketing and Communications Department and HFRS Web Team.

2.2.4

Home Fire Safety Checks (HFSCs)

We have revised our HFSC strategy as part of our aim to greatly increase the number of responses to referrals and the number of smoke alarms fitted. Pilots involving our retained fire stations will commence on 1 February 2005 and other schemes will be trialled over the coming months.

Total number of checks since April 2004 (1 4 04 to 25 1 05):

2976

Total number of checks since last report (15 12 04):

291

Total number of smoke alarms fitted since April 2004 (1 4 04 to 25 1 05):

7195

Total number of smoke alarms fitted since last report (15 12 04 to 25 1 05):

481

3

Protecting

3.1

Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (RRO)

Unfortunately the RRO has again been deferred and now unlikely to come into force before October 2005. This will cause further delay for the introduction of fire regulations which comprehensively include all persons who may be effected by fire in buildings other than a single private dwelling house. These regulations when introduced will greatly assist HFRS to reduce risk within the commercial and business community as part of the IRMP.

One of the main reasons causing the delay, has been in the difficulty of producing the first of 11 national guidance documents which is to be used as the template for the others. At the request of the ODPM and CFOA, Hampshire's Technical Fire Safety Support Group has reviewed the existing draft national guidance and completed the writing of section 4 which deals with Means of Escape. This work has been completed within very tight time schedules to the satisfaction of the ODPM, and should assist the further progress of the RRO.

3.2

New Licensing Act

Final preparations have been put in place to administer the new Licensing Act 2003. Working with our partners within each local and unitary Authority, each application for the new license will be reviewed and risk assessed. Those identified as being of high risk or above will receive a visit by a fire safety inspector who will carry out a fire safety audit. The outcome of this process will assist the applicant to achieve compliance with Fire Regulations and deliver effective risk reduction making Hampshire safer.

3.3

E-fire

An agreement has been reached with HCC IT Services to develop and introduce the improvements to the HFRS Technical Fire Safety web pages on the HFRS web site. This will enable progress to be made to meet the requirements of E.gov. One element of this work is to provide a self-assessment tool for the business community of Hampshire enabling them to provide key information to HFRS. In return the tool will provide guidance to the user in response to the answers they have provided and provide HFRS with a broad risk rating assessment, which is used to programme our inspection programme

HFRS will working as part of the Governments E-fire project and aim towards making this self assessment tool available for national use.

3.4

Working with Others

Formal arrangements entered into with Social Services Adult Placement Scheme to reduce risk and maintain regulatory standards in dwellings used for Adult Placement purposes by means of a joint approach to risk assessment and audit of standards.

Initial formation of draft joint Fire Safety objectives have been presented, between HFRS and HCC, to establish a formal Partnership Agreement facilitating risk reduction in premises across the County.

4

Group Activity

Note: Preventing statistics cover the period 15 October 2004 to 15 December 2004.

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

46

4

2

Operational Crews - Talks:

Number:

Audience numbers:

2

22

Operational Crews - Home Fire Safety Visits:

Number:

Audience numbers:

Number of smoke detectors fitted:

48

48

53

Protecting

The Business Partnership link has been re-established with local business managers in the area, creating a more pro-active forum to advise to managers on fire safety and legal enforcement matters. Specific risk reduction initiatives are being coordinated by the local technical fire safety office manager from Basingstoke.

Responding

6 November 2004: Royal Berkshire requested assistance to deal with a rail crash involving a passenger train and a car at a level crossing at Ufton Nervet. Two pumps were initially requested and 2 special equipment units were also sent to assist with cutting equipment and portable lighting. Later in the incident emergency feeding was supplied by the HFRS Emergency Catering team. You will all be aware of the tragic outcome and loss of life at this incident which received extensive media coverage.

21 November 2004: 21 crews from Basingstoke attended a fire with persons reported at St Peters Road, Basingstoke. A deliberately ignited fire on the landing outside of a first floor flat trapped 2 adults and 2 children inside. The residents were rescued by HFRS crews in breathing apparatus via short extension ladders and a further adult and child were led to safety. Oxygen was administered by crew members at the scene before the residents were taken to hospital. The officer in charge later reported that had the fire alarm not operated warning the residents of the fire there could easily have been a loss of life.

26 November 2004: A further example of excellent cross border and inter service co-operation was exercised at a road traffic accident on the A34 on the Hampshire/Berkshire border. A tractor and coach both travelling on the northbound carriageway collided causing the tractor to roll over several times trapping the driver and the coach to veer through the central reservation into the southbound carriageway. Fortunately the coach remained upright and did not collide with further vehicles. Crews released the tractor driver quite quickly but the coach driver was severely trapped by his legs and release took a considerable time. The passengers on the coach were rescued with several suffering neck injuries. A total of 46 casualties were dealt with during the protracted incident.

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

92

17

7

Operational Crews - Talks:

Number:

Audience numbers:

3

9

Operational Crews - Home Fire Safety Visits:

Number:

Audience numbers:

Number of smoke detectors fitted:

46

62

84

Protecting

No significant activity.

Responding

11 December 2004: The Service dealt with the first of 3 serious thatched roof fires in December. The incident at Keepers Cottage in Copes Lane at Bramshill quickly saw pumps made up to 6. The stop was received after more than 5 hours indicating that the first floor and roof of the 15 by 7 metre cottage had been severely damaged by fire and collapse. One jet, 4 hosereels and numerous BA were used during the firefighting operation.

23 December 2004: A fire in an anabolic chamber at Qinetiq in Ively Road at Farnborough was initially reported by automatic fire alarm. On arrival smoke was issuing and pumps were made up to 2 and eventually up to 6. The fire involved the insulating lining of a metal chamber 4 metres by 3 metres on the ground floor of a 2 storey 20 by 10 metre building within a `C' shaped link building of 3 floors, 180 metres by 110 metres used as offices, laboratories and workshops. The fire caused heavy smoke logging to the premises and at one stage there was concern over a helium cylinder which was adjacent to the incident and exposed to high levels of heat. The severe fire was extinguished using 2 jets, 2 hosereels and 84 breathing apparatus with crews in attendance for 14 hours. During the operation there was concern about the products of fire generated by the insulation material. Control staff contacted the North American manufacturers setting up conference calls with the experts in the States to gain further information for Officers at the scene.

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:

3

30

22

5

Operational Crews - Talks:

Number:

Audience numbers:

0

0

Operational Crews - Home Fire Safety Visits:

Number:

Audience numbers:

Number of smoke detectors fitted:

15

0

0

Protecting

Two fire safety enforcement notices have been served on retail premises regarding management and housekeeping matters, resulting in specific risk reduction in both areas. The technical fire safety office from Alton, has been relocated to the Fareham and Winchester area, as part of functional boundary re-alignment with Local Authorities.

Responding

11 December 2004: A serious single vehicle road traffic accident in Bordon claimed the life of one young person and 3 others were released from the vehicle by HFRS. One young female was impaled through the shoulder by a wooden stake and had to removed from the vehicle and taken to hospital with the stake still in place. Her condition was stabilised throughout the night and the stake was removed the next day. The incident proved to be extremely traumatic for the personnel who attended.

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

85

17

2

Operational Crews - Talks:

Number:

Audience numbers:

4

87

Operational Crews - Home Fire Safety Visits:

Number:

Audience numbers:

Number of smoke detectors fitted:

145

177

196

Protecting

No significant activity.

Responding

No significant activity.

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:

23

718

128

17

Operational Crews - Talks:

Number:

Audience numbers:

8

53

Operational Crews - Home Fire Safety Visits:

Number:

Audience numbers:

Number of smoke detectors fitted:

160

245

472

Protecting

Evidence from Portsmouth Environmental Health (PEH) indicates that our joint enforcement activity in houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) is resulting in greater co-operation from landlords. PEH reports that previously unco-operative landlords who own several HMOs and have experienced HFRS powers of immediate closure or restriction are more likely to co-operate with PEH Inspectors during visits to other properties under their control. This is a direct result of the joint working between PEH and HFRS to improve standards of fire safety and risk reduction in HMOs in the Portsmouth area.

Responding

25 November 2004: A fatal road traffic accident on the M275 at Portsmouth brought traffic in the city to a standstill for many hours. HFRS crews attended to release the body of the victim trapped in a car which was in a precarious position overhanging a motorway bridge.

3 January 2005: Crews mobilised to deal with a fire in a scrapyard adjacent to the M275 at Portsmouth requested 5 pumps and bulk foam to deal with the outbreak. The motorway link road had to be closed because of the thick smoke and the possible involvement of gas cylinders. Crews had difficulty accessing the southbound carriageway as it was being used by the Police to move the traffic in the northbound direction. The fire involved 3 large shipping containers, 2 used for storage and 1 as an office, 2 propane cylinders, an empty 10,000 litre diesel tank, a fork lift truck and numerous other items. Two jets, 2 hosereels, 1 foam branch and 4 breathing apparatus were deployed to bring the fire under control.

20 January 2005: A fire at Waitrose Supermarket, North Street, Havant, required the attendance of 15 pumps, 3 aerial appliances and other special appliances. The building of 2 floors, measuring 41metres by 45 metres of brick construction, comprising of a flat roof and pitched and tiled timber roof. suffered severe damage due to the fire and subsequent roof collapse. The fire was extinguished using 8 jets, 3 aerial monitors and 56 breathing apparatus.

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

62

9

1

Operational Crews - Talks:

Number:

Audience numbers:

2

1

Operational Crews - Home Fire Safety Visits:

Number:

Audience numbers:

Number of smoke detectors fitted:

86

143

322

Protecting

A Partnership with the Local Authority Environmental Health has been established to conduct joint inspections on houses in multiple occupation (HMO's). Early results have been encouraging with some good examples of risk reduction already being noted. The technical fire safety office at Winchester has been expanded to accommodate functional boundary re-alignment with Local Authorities.

Responding

No significant activity.

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:

5

51

41

0

Operational Crews - Talks:

Number:

Audience numbers:

4

84

Operational Crews - Home Fire Safety Visits:

Number:

Audience numbers:

Number of smoke detectors fitted:

143

180

212

Protecting

A new Safety Advisory Group (SAG) is currently being formed in partnership with Hampshire Cricket Club and the Operations function, at the Rosebowl cricket ground, West End. This group will advise on safety for match days and at large events which are proposed for the venue. We continue to be represented on Eastleigh SAG in preparation for large concerts and events held within the borough.

Responding

22 November 2004: A call for assistance was received when a cow in calf jumped into a swimming pool at a house in Smannell near Andover. Crews from Andover were mobilised together with a Multi Role Vehicle (MRV) with the large animal rescue load from Eastleigh. The water level in the pool was reduced and the cow sedated before it was removed to safety using the hi-ab crane and additional equipment from the MRV.

27 December 2004: The third of the severe thatch roof fires occurred at Chapel Close in Amport. Pumps were made up to 8 with numerous special appliances. The 16 by 6 metre building suffered severe damage with 100% of the roof, 90% of the first floor and 50% of the ground floor damaged by fire and water. The fire was extinguished using 2 jets, 4 hosereels and 16 breathing apparatus.

28 December 2004: A further incident occurred in Amport at Wiremead Lane when a dustcart ran into the front of another thatched cottage. This rendered the building unsafe and after an assessment by Andover crews a decision was made to mobilise the Urban Search and Rescue Team. They attended and initially stabilised the ground floor and after the dustcart was removed they continued to shore up the first floor.

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:

33

420

71

20

Operational Crews - Talks:

Number:

Audience numbers:

9

72

Operational Crews - Home Fire Safety Visits:

Number:

Audience numbers:

Number of smoke detectors fitted:

124

240

224

Protecting

With effect from January 2005, Technical Fire Safety West Group, has a new Group Manager following the retirement of the previous post holder. In conjunction with the Operations function, discussions are underway with Southampton Football Club via our representative on the Safety Advisory Group, to fine tune HFRS involvement at St Marys stadium on match days. Initial identification of `high risk' premises in West Group has been completed and production of Premises Risk Management Plans have been commenced for the Civic Centre, West Quay Shopping Centre, Tesco Distribution Centre Nursling and the Leisure World complex.

Responding

21 November 2004: Crews called to a fire with persons reported at Kingsclere Close at Weston, Southampton, extinguished a severe fire in a second floor bedroom using 1 jet, 2 hosereels and 4 breathing apparatus. The body of a 2 year old child was located in the fire and a 5 year old was rescued and taken to hospital with burns.

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:

5

33

13

1

Operational Crews - Talks:

Number:

Audience numbers:

1

0

Operational Crews - Home Fire Safety Visits:

Number:

Audience numbers:

Number of smoke detectors fitted:

4

6

9

Protecting

Initial identification of high risk premises within the New Forest has been completed. Most identified premises are currently controlled by compliance with legislation such as the COMAH Regulations. Premises Risk Management Plans will be commenced in due course based upon a priority system.

Responding

12 December 2004: Ten pumps and numerous special appliances were requested to deal with a thatched roof fire in Mockbeggar Lane at Ibsley near Ringwood. The thatched roof of the 15 by 8 metre building was completely destroyed and the fire was extinguished using 5 jets, 2 hosereels and more than 60 breathing apparatus. Firefighting was made particularly hazardous as when the roof was removed it left 3 extremely precarious unsupported chimneys. Crews revisited the property several times to deal with smouldering thatch and timbers which were difficult to access due to the instability of the property.

21 January 2005: Residents in Marchwood were, as a precaution, advised to close all windows, doors and stay indoors during a fire at the Onyx Incinerator Site, Bury Road, Marchwood. The fire involved waste materials contained in a pit in an asbestos clad building 50 metres by 40 metres and 25 metres high. 7 pumps, 3 aerial appliances and several special appliances attended. The fire was extinguished using 14 breathing apparatus, 3 aerial monitors, 5 ground monitors and 2 jets.

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

76

20

4

Operational Crews - Talks:

Number:

Audience numbers:

3

20

Operational Crews - Home Fire Safety Visits:

Number:

Audience numbers:

Number of smoke detectors fitted:

0

0

0

Protecting

Initial identification of high risk premises within the New Forest has been completed. Most identified premises are currently controlled by compliance with legislation such as the COMAH Regulations. Premises Risk Management Plans will be commenced in due course based upon a priority system.

Responding

1 January 2005: A fire in a shed attached to a terrace of 3 buildings in Stroneleigh Avenue, Hordle, New Milton, spread to the roof of one of the properties. Pumps were made up to 3 and then to 6 and the fire damage was restricted to the shed and the roof and first floor of the centre terrace house. Four jets, 2 hosereels and 8 breathing apparatus were deployed during firefighting operations. The 2 houses either side were damaged by heat and smoke.

4

Co-Responder Scheme

4.1

Following a period of training, `Co-Responder' schemes have been established at our fire stations in New Milton, Romsey and Bordon as a result of a joint initiative with the Hampshire Ambulance Service.

4.2

The aim of the Co-Responder scheme is to improve the response time for medical assistance to reach members of the community in life threatening situations. This response by specially trained HFRS firefighters is made using vehicles and equipment provided through the Ambulance Service and without detriment to the provision of normal emergency cover by HFRS.

4.3

In consultation with the Ambulance Service 4 further schemes are now being considered.