Archived decisions

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority Item ......

7 December 2005

Activity Report

Report of the Chief Officer

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

1

Responding

1.1

Once again it is disappointing to report that despite our continued efforts to reduce death and injury by fire 2 lives have been lost in 2 separate incidents. This strengthens our resolve to continue our efforts with a wide range of initiatives to prevent the loss of life from fires.

1.2

On the 30 October the Service dealt with a large and complex fire at the Mountbatten Building, Southampton University. This fire not only tested the crews and their equipment it placed huge demands on the Command and Control staff at HQ. It is a credit to the Service that the fire was brought under control and further spread to other research facilities as well as neighbouring properties was prevented.

1.3

In our draft IRMP for 2006/07 we are proposing a number of road safety initiatives. The need for this is underlined by the appalling loss of life that has taken place on the roads since the last report to the HFRA. The most significant event was the tragic loss of 6 lives at one incident on the A31 at Ropley Dean. These new initiatives will involve working with other agencies as well as incorporating road safety messages in our schools fire safety education programme.

2

Preventing

2.1

Schools Education

A report has been produced on the activity of the Fire Challenge Crew for 2004/2005. It was recognised this had been the most successful year since inception in 1996 and the team have been able to surpass all their targets as detailed in the previous activity report. This is mainly due to the credibility the FCC have achieved as providing a quality product and fulfilling a valid role in schools education. Additional funding from the Children's Fire and Burns Trust has allowed the team to be expanded to 14 and thus creating capacity to expand the work to include those with special educational needs and those in the private sector. The FCC has also continued to create very high quality educational resources, eg, a book has been produced focussing on keep safe which is raising interest from other FRS's and an exciting `keep safe' comic has been developed in partnership with the Police and Coastguard. Since the schools returned in the Autumn the team is again on target to achieve their stated aims in 2005/2006. Figures of number of visits to be available at end of term.

2.2

Youth Engagement

The Service has embarked on a number of youth engagement programmes most notably the Local Intervention Fire Education (LIFE) project which has now been planned to run with 8 courses taking place in 2005/2006 following the earlier pilot in Spring 2005. The first of the 8 has successfully been run at Hardley Fire Station and the second is currently underway.

In addition to this, local initiatives such as `999 Camps' and `Ferney Croft' experience have been run in the New Forest South Group. These appear to be having success with reducing the occurrence of arson in localised areas.

The Young firefighters Association (YFA) continues to run well at Ringwood and Andover with other Group Managers now starting to consider the programme.

The Princes Trust Team are running 2 x 12 week courses for young adults in Southampton and Basingstoke. These are due to complete in December with 5 more programmed for 2006.

All these activities serve to reduce arson activity, raise awareness of fire safety issues, maintain and increase the levels of trust between the Service and the community and at the same time provide a valuable opportunity for HFRS to play a part in developing Hampshire's young people.

2.3

Campaigns

2.3.1

Electric Blanket Campaign: 26 September 2005 to 14 October 2005

The aim of the campaign is to promote the safe use of electric blankets and either repair or remove from use those that are found to be faulty. The Service has partnered with a considerable number of Local Authority Trading Standards Departments, minority groups and support agencies to carry out the checks in 10 venues throughout Hampshire. Tests were carried out by appointment, which were co-ordinated by HCC Trading Standards. In total 1050 blankets were tested of which 324 failed giving a 62% pass rate. Compared to previous years this shows a consistent trend for the percentage of blankets tested as satisfactory to increase.

2.3.2

Thatch and Chimney Fires

HFRS joined with the National Farmers Union, Hampshire Building Control and Hampshire Master Thatcher's to get a more comprehensive distribution of the safety leaflets. The success of this campaign will be measured by the end of year statistics on the number of thatch and chimney fires.

2.4

Home Fire Safety Checks (HFSC)

2.4.1

Group Managers and CFS are currently running 2 pilot partnerships with Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) in Basingstoke and Southampton to try to accurately target the delivery of HFSCs to those at most risk. The remainder of the Group Managers have recognised this as a potentially good method but some continue to face the challenge of limited resources outside of wholetime areas.

2.4.2

A post incident protocol has been developed to allow Retained Duty System (RDS) Firefighters to carry out HFSCs. To that end a programme of training is being carried out by CFS to ensure RDS firefighters are trained and equipped to facilitate this. Discussions between HFRS and Representative Bodies are also underway to determine how CFS can become a mainstream activity of the RDS.

2.5

Road Safety

During National Road Safety Week the HFRS Extrication Team were able to work with BRAKE (National Road Safety Charity) to host a media event to raise awareness of the hazards of road traffic collisions to the target group of young people and new drivers. This served as a template around which discussions have commenced between HFRS and HCC Road Safety Department as to how the Service can use its unique competencies to play a part in road safety.

3

Protecting

3.1

HCC Partnership Agreement

On 7 10 05, HFRS and HCC formally signed an agreement that recognises our joint objectives of ensuring safety from fire and provides a framework for a risk based approach to managing fire risks in HCC premises. The agreement is able to be developed as needs change and is currently underpinned by 2 significant arrangements. The first is the development of a seconded officer within HCC to become responsible for all HFRS fire safety audit activity in respect of HCC premises, thereby ensuring consistency of approach and ease of liaison. The second is formally agreed action plans with HCC Adult Services to enhance fire safety in the most at risk residential care homes and also adult placement schemes.

3.2

National Trust Secondment

For a 3 month period October to December the National Trust are financing the secondment of an HFRS fire safety officer into their offices to act as an advisor on fire safety policy and management across the range of National Trust assets. This secondment is the first part of a 3 stage process which aims to enable HFRS and other authorities to minimise its enforcement activities in National Trust premises, thereby freeing up valuable resources to deploy against identified high risks, while still ensuring a suitable level of fire safety management of our heritage.

3.3

Framework Document Consultation and Crown Premises

HFRS fire safety officers have sought to influence the content of the next National Framework document by adapting the references to Crown Premises to more explicitly include MOD occupied estate. This will provide HFRS with the remit to engage in risk reduction activities with the MOD fire service and is particularly relevant given the high profile of MOD establishments within the County.

3.4

RRO Publicity

We have an officer dedicated to the provision of publicity and education to the business community throughout Hampshire to ensure that every opportunity is given to business and commerce to become familiar with the requirements of the RRO in April 2006. The campaign is designed to compliment that being run by the ODPM on a National scale.

3.5

CFRMIS

The new CFRMIS risk management database continues to be developed to its full capacity which will lead by April 2006 to greater flexibility in the way in which our inspecting officers carry out their work, in particular it will enable greater outputs to be achieved together with improved delivery of enforcement activity at the point of delivery

4

Group 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:

1

6

2

1

Operational Crews - Number of Talks:

13

Operational Crews - Home Fire Safety Visits:

Number:

Number of smoke detectors fitted:

188

482

Protecting

A large country house is being developed in this area, early consultations have taken place with the architects with a view to installing domestic sprinklers.

The review for the internal partnership working, piloted for the Popley Fields trial, has commenced.

A Section 10 Prohibition Notice, under the requirements of the Fire Precautions Act 1971, has been issued during this reporting period. This was issued to a Public House for breaches of the above Legislation and is under investigation with a view to possible prosecution.

The majority 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.

The local fire safety office has now produced a local action plan, in support of the group action plan, to reduce risk to the business community. These have been submitted to TFS Policy Group for approval and to be used as a model for the remainder of the function.

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:

4

32

9

3

Operational Crews - Number of Talks:

10

Operational Crews - Home Fire Safety Visits:

Number:

Number of smoke detectors fitted:

133

267

Protecting

The start of a new Football season highlights the important role HFRS play as part of the Safety Committee for Aldershot Town Football Club. HFRS fire safety officers regularly attend meetings of the above committee to ensure the safety of the public attending the ground for football matches. The local office manager also sits on the Safety committee for Farnborough Town Football Club.

Early consultation has commenced in respect to the International Air Show at Farnborough airport. HFRS officers will play an integral role in ensuring the compliance of fire safety standards in the large tented structures and throughout the site during the event.

The majority of the licensed premises in this area have submitted applications required under the Licensing Act 2003.

Responding

8 September 2005: Two pumps attended a fire in Chiltern Close, Cove, Farnborough and on arrival made pumps up to 4 indicating that one person had been rescued. The 2 storey semi-detached house was severely damaged by fire which was extinguished using one jet 2 hosereels and 8 BA. The person removed from the fire was later confirmed as a male fatality.

29 September 2005: Numerous emergency calls were received by Control to a derelict building fire at Alexandra House, Louise Margaret Road, Aldershot. Pumps were made up to 5 and numerous special appliances attended. The timber clad, 2 storey, flat roofed building 60 by 7 metres suffered 50% damage by fire which was extinguished using 8 jets, 2 hosereels and numerous BA.

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

69

15

4

Operational Crews - Number of Talks:

5

Operational Crews - Home Fire Safety Visits:

Number:

Number of smoke detectors fitted:

79

241

Protecting

A Partnership Agreement between East Hants and HFRS was signed on the 31 October. The PA commits both parties to carry out a programme of joint inspection in high-risk HMO's. By combining our expertise in this field we will reduce the risk of death and injury from fire in these vulnerable properties.

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:

9

91

21

3

Operational Crews - Number of Talks:

18

Operational Crews - Home Fire Safety Visits:

Number:

Number of smoke detectors fitted:

230

498

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:

9

61

10

6

Operational Crews - Number of Talks:

17

Operational Crews - Home Fire Safety Visits:

Number:

Number of smoke detectors fitted:

435

1643

Protecting

Following two successful evacuation exercises on the 12 October, Spinnaker Tower was given the all clear for the official opening. The exercises, which were planned and organised by the TFS department, involved 250 volunteers, the Tower staff and 3 fire appliances. Fortunately the external lift was in full working order on the day, which allowed us to test the full range of evacuation and fire fighting facilities. Although the external lift hasn't worked since the opening we are confident that the control measures in place for operating with only one lift are satisfactory.

Responding

12 September 2005: Crews from Hayling Island and Havant attended reports of a 30 foot yacht on fire with a person reported at the Creek near Mill Rythe Holiday Village, Havant Road, Hayling Island. The vessel was severely damaged by the fire and one male person was removed suffering from serious burns. Unfortunately this person subsequently lost his fight for life.

8 November 2005: An initial call to rubbish on fire was subsequently confirmed as a fire in a caravan at Yew Tree Road, Hayling Island. Pumps were made up to 3 and eventually to 6 as the fire spread to adjacent caravans. The stop message confirmed that 45 caravans over an area of 150 by 100 metres had been damaged by the fire which was brought under control using 4 jets and 3 hosereels. Numerous LPG cylinders and a 440 volt electricity cable provided additional hazards for the firefighting crews.

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

46

23

6

Operational Crews - Number of Talks:

7

Operational Crews - Home Fire Safety Visits:

Number:

Number of smoke detectors fitted:

146

579

Protecting

The pilot local action plan produced by the Office Manager has been successful and has now been adopted by the remainder of the Group.

An enforcement notice issued under the Fire Precautions Workplace Regulations has been issued in this area on a Public House.

The majority 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.

Staff at the Winchester fire safety office are involved in the pilot to field test remote working facilities, involving both hardware and software packages. It is expected that by better using IT technology the number of audits per officer will increase and will deliver a better quality service to the business community.

Responding

7 September 2005: The Service were called to a serious road traffic collision involving 2 vehicles with numerous casualties near the Chequers Public House on the A31 at Ropley Dean. Early informative messages indicated there were 5 fatalities and 2 persons trapped. Crews from Alresford, Alton and Winchester were involved in the extrication. The stop message indicated there were 6 fatalities in this incident with one further person being released and taken to hospital. Police closed the road for several hours to carry out a full investigation into the cause of the accident.

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

23

22

16

Operational Crews - Number of Talks:

6

Operational Crews - Home Fire Safety Visits:

Number:

Number of smoke detectors fitted:

429

798

Protecting

Following a routine audit inspection. a Section 10 Notice was served on a Yacht Club in Hamble where sleeping accommodation provided for members and guests was considered a serious risk to life. Through consultation and assistance from HFRS the club have re-developed the premises, though the prohibition currently remains in force pending completion.

During the period no Enforcement Notices have been issued.

A large number of licence applications have been processed under the Licensing Act 2003.

The proposal for the amalgamation of the Andover and Winchester fire safety offices has been submitted to TFS Policy Group. This report was approved and is now awaiting SMT approval. The amalgamation of the 2 offices will complete the alignment of the North Group TFS offices and provide a quality service to both the Winchester and Test Valley business community and local authority offices.

The risk profiling for this area is still ongoing using the information provided by the new CFRMIS database to determine the optimum use of this Groups resources.

The majority 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.

An enforcement notice issued under the Fire Precautions Workplace Regulations has been issued in this area on a licensed restaurant.

Responding

27 September 2005: A fire in a large residential property in Steepleton Hill at Stockbridge was initially attended by 3 pumps which were made up to 4 and then 6 with an aerial ladder platform also requested. The fire involved 80% of the first floor and roof of the 15 by 15 metre L shaped dwelling. The incident was brought under control using 2 jets, 3 hosereels and 24 BA. Crews carried out extensive salvage work on the ground floor of the property.

8 November 2005: Called to a car fire at the Brazier Construction Site in Woodside Avenue, Eastleigh. On arrival crews reported that there was a person inside the vehicle. It was later established that one young male person had perished in the fire. The cause of the fire is still to be established.

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:

20

275

53

13

Operational Crews - Number of Talks:

6

Operational Crews - Home Fire Safety Visits:

Number:

Number of smoke detectors fitted:

513

1257

Protecting

Delivery of seminars to local employers, explaining their responsibilities under fire regulations and our enforcement policy, continue on a regular monthly basis and are now including information on the likely changes in April, following the implementation of the RRO.

Negotiations are well underway with Southampton Environmental Health Department towards the signing of an Informal Partnership Agreement relating to joint working on Houses in Multiple Occupancy (HMO's) in the city. This is based upon, and will generally reflect the agreement currently in place in Portsmouth. There are in excess of 7500 HMO's within the Southampton area and the aim is to reduce duplicated effort by HFRS and EHO, thus ensuring that resources are targeted at the highest risk premises. TFS West is also liasing with CFS to enable a co-ordinated approach to achieve improved fire safety in these types of premises.

During the period 5 Enforcement Notices have been served on premises within the Southampton area.

The Licensing Act 2003 has generated considerable workloads in all areas, with a large number of applications being processed in Southampton.

Good work is being carried out on Premises Risk Management Plans for the highest risk premises, the first being the West Quay Shopping Centre. The process here is well advanced with joint working established between TFS and Ops, West Quay Management, Police and Ambulance to secure resilient emergency planning. A re-write of the current operational plan has now commenced together with training of operational personnel on the fire safety engineered solutions adopted within the premises. Through negotiations with the centre management agreement has been reached to site a radio repeater station within the complex, thus ensuring good internal handheld radio communications for both HFRS crews and West Quay staff. We are also assisting the centre management with their disaster management planning. An initial approach has been made to the Tesco distribution centre at Nursling to commence a similar risk management exercise at those premises. This very large, uncompartmented premises is constructed using structural sandwich panels and processes vast quantities of stock for superstores around the region.

Combined inspections of shops and suppliers are being planned for the pre-Christmas period, in partnership with Southampton City Council Health and Safety officers.

Unfortunately a serious fire recently destroyed a valuable building within the University of Southampton campus. As a result, post incident audits of the University's remaining buildings will be scheduled along with continued liaison with the management there.

Audit inspections and Building Control consultations continue and new local targets for West Group are being compiled by group management, for implementation during the next reporting period.

West Group continue to support partnership initiatives with one Station Manager currently seconded to work with Hampshire County Council at Winchester, and another working with the National Trust until Christmas, advising management on a suitable fire risk assessment process and fire safety policies for their nationwide portfolio of heritage properties.

Responding

30 October 2005: An initial call was received to an automatic fire alarm at the Mountbatten Building, Southampton University, Salisbury Road, Southampton. The first pump in attendance quickly made pumps up to 3 and further make ups followed for pumps 6, 8, 10, 15, 20 and eventually to 25. The call was extremely visible and despite occurring early in the morning Control received 60 emergency calls mostly from concerned local residents who could see the extensive smoke and flames. At pumps 25 there were in excess of 190 HFRS personnel on the fireground. Early informative messages indicated the fire involved a metal framed, sandwich panel constructed building consisting of 4 floors approximately 30 metres by 30 metres with chemicals and gas cylinders involved. The fire initially being fought in the defensive mode. By 0740 a further informative indicated one jet and 4 BA in use with the mode changed to offensive. In view of the chemical hazard, frequent weather reports were requested from Chemet to identify the strength and direction of the wind and Police toured the area informing local residents to stay inside and close doors and windows. All 3 of our aerial appliances, 3 water carriers and numerous other special appliances were also requested. There were concerns not only with the smoke but with the water run off from the fire and the Environment Agency attended to monitor this situation. Numerous explosions occurred presenting a serious hazard to the firefighters as the fire spread rapidly, assisted by the prevailing wind to the adjoining administration building. The severity of the fire quickly engulfed the whole of the building of origin and efforts were concentrated on stopping the spread of fire in the administration block which housed many years of research. Although this building was extensively damaged the majority was saved by firefighters working inside against a rapidly spreading fire in very hot and arduous conditions. At one stage the large water mains were overrun by the number of firefighting jets and monitors and the Water Company were requested to divert additional supplies by reducing pressure in other areas of the city.

The biggest problem for Control staff was ensuring sufficient resources were available for the incident whilst maintaining cover throughout the remainder of the county. Emergency cover problems were further exacerbated when 10 relief crews were requested which meant that during the changeover there were 35 pumps on the fireground and approximately 240 personnel. The logistical problems of arranging feeding, relief crews, provision of 10 portable toilets, obtaining regular weather reports, liaison with other Agencies and recalling off duty Officers to duty all caused a very large workload in the Control Room. Fortunately many Officers and retained personnel volunteered their service so fire cover was maintained throughout the period with only one pump being requested from Wiltshire to assist, although neighbouring Brigades were placed on notice in case they were required. The stop message was received 10 hours after the fire broke out and indicated that a building of 4 floors 60 metres by 50 metres, used as a laboratory and for micro-chip manufacture, and a further building 43 metres by 22 metres, used as office accommodation, had been damaged by fire. The larger Mountbatten Building suffered 100% fire damage and 75% of the smaller building was damaged by fire, heat and smoke. Two aerial ladder monitors, 6 ground monitors and in excess of 150 BA were used during firefighting operations. Crews remained at the scene overnight and completed operations at approximately 1400 hours the next day. This very serious fire provided a challenging test of the skills of the firefighters at the scene and placed many of them in a position of danger as they fought to contain the fire from spreading to several adjoining or nearby buildings. Credit should also go to the Control Room personnel who so effectively ensured that the needs of the incident were met whilst still providing adequate placement of resources around the county to ensure that the remainder of Hampshire was protected. It was the largest fire incident in Hampshire since October 2003.

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:

0

0

0

0

Operational Crews - Number of Talks:

1

Operational Crews - Home Fire Safety Visits:

Number:

Number of smoke detectors fitted:

81

208

Protecting

During the period 2 Enforcement Notices have been issued.

A large number of licence applications have been processed under the Licensing Act 2003.

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:

2

11

4

3

Operational Crews - Number of Talks:

0

Operational Crews - Home Fire Safety Visits:

Number:

Number of smoke detectors fitted:

61

133

Protecting

Following a routine audit inspection of a large hotel in the New Forest an Enforcement Notice was issued. Subsequently an appeal was lodged against the content of the notice and the case referred to the courts. However, during pre-hearing negotiations with the company concerned a suitable outcome was agreed and the formal proceedings dropped. Valuable lessons were learned as a result of this case which will in turn improve the efficiency of HFRS procedures in any future legal actions.

Again during a routine audit inspection of a supermarket in Lymington, fire safety deficiencies were identified affecting the means of escape from the shop floor and subsequently management policy and procedures were found to be unsatisfactory. The case is currently being considered for legal action with a view to prosecution under the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations. Prosecution is being considered on the basis of benefit to the public and industry, as this is one of the major supermarket chains operating throughout the country.

During the period 4 Enforcement Notices have been issued.

Responding

2 October 2005: Crews from Lymington, Hardley and St Marys were mobilised to a report of a light aircraft that had crashed into a field in Shotts Lane, Walhampton near Lymington. On arrival they reported that there were 2 fatalities at the scene and the crews were involved in body recovery and making the scene safe.