Archived decisions

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority Item 7

13 September 2006

Activity Report

Report of the Chief Officer

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

1

Responding

1.1

The tragic fire at The Causeway, Petersfield, which resulted in the loss of 2 lives is yet another stark reminder of the challenges that we all face for the future. Our commitment to reducing risk in our communities is seeing more and more Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSV) being completed by both Wholetime and Retained members of the Service. As well as HFSV resulting in the supply and fit of smoke detectors we are also trying to inform and educate the community about smoke detector ownership. A recent incident in Eastleigh resulted in HFRS crews rescuing an unconscious person from a smoke filled building that was fitted with 2 smoke detectors. The smoke detectors did not operate because the battery of one had been removed and the other detector was incorrectly located. The HFSV programme is a key element in our drive to reduce fire deaths and injuries in the home so that the tragic event that took place in Petersfield becomes a thing of the past.

1.2

The hot dry spell in July provided a busy period for crews and not only saw HFRS dealing with heath and forest fires within Hampshire but also assisting our neighbouring Brigades. The end of the dry spell saw the inevitable storms and the accompanying flash flooding. On the 14 July our Control handled over 200 calls in a 4 hour period. All of these calls were responded to by officers who dealt with them without the need to mobilise any further frontline resources. The use of resources in this way ensures that our frontline fire appliance are always available to deal with real, life threatening emergencies.

2

Preventing

The Community Safety Department have continued to look for innovative ways to reduce risk in Hampshire and support station personnel to do the same. The most notable advance in activity has been with the Retained Duty Stations being empowered to carry out Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSVs) and the refocusing of activity, but other highly significant work has been carried in advancing Fire Investigation and Youth Engagement. Despite staffing difficulties, the Schools Team have continued to provide a consistently well received programme of education and have incorporated road safety into their content.

2.1

HFSV and Group Support

2.1.1

HFSV

It has been identified that unacceptably long waiting times exist for HFSVs on some stations due to large waiting lists therefore Group Managers have been advised to manage referral generation activity to bring the waiting time to within 28 days. In order to use resources more accurately Group Managers have also been requested to focus activity on groups and individuals who are more vulnerable or at higher risk, these being:

· People over 60

· Children under 5

· People with disabilities

· People suffering disadvantage (income/other)

Work has commenced to allow HFSV referrals to be graded upon their return to station allowing stations to respond to risk in a proactive way. This will involve a new referral leaflet and changes to the job card so performance information is available to monitor success in the at risk groups.

RDS Phase One Roll Out

Following additional training, phase one of the Retained Duty Service undertaking HFSV is now in operation and 14 RDS stations across the county are now delivering this service, they are:

· Fleet

· Yateley

· Romsey

· Bishops Waltham

· Waterlooville

· Alton

· Bordon

· Horndean

· Petersfield

· Portchester

· Hythe

· Lymington

· New Milton

· Totton

Beaulieu will also be added to phase one in the near future.

The anticipated level of activity has been capped for budgetary purposes at 6 HFSVs per week for single appliance station and 12 for stations with 2 appliances. Performance will be monitored via a spreadsheet which measures efficiency as a cost per visit ratio.

Partnerships

Protocols, leaflets and a presentation are now available for use by Group/Station Managers for accessing Health Care Services for HFSV referral generation.

HFSVs are now being undertaken for all foster care homes across the county.

North Hampshire Primary Care Trust now have an established partnership with us and are providing several stations with quality referrals. Trials with other PCT's and Social Services are underway in:

· Portsmouth

· Winchester

· Rushmoor

using the same protocol and format. Some of these partnerships are generating referrals for the RDS phase one roll out.

2.1.2

GROUP SUPPORT

Project Work Complete

Ministerial event in Southampton - Statistics and display information provided.

HFSV `alternative approach' Basingstoke - Signposting HFSV to members of the public that have the capability to self educate and access information provided by the Service.

Asian Elders in Southampton - Presentation and support to the Ethics Group.

Universities - Fresher day safety event carried out to raise awareness of fire safety issues amongst those that are new to living away from home.

Review of CS vehicles and conversion of one trailer unit into multi-use unit with a `chip pan safety' unit and a portable cinema.

Project Work in Progress

HFSV display boards for appliances.

Scoping study for the use of Community Volunteers to assist with undertaking HFSV, general Community Safety initiatives and to act as specialist advisors (advocates).

Road safety and water safety initiatives being developed to market in 2007.

Campaigns

Initiative opportunities sent to all Groups

Hampshire Trading Standards - The sale of dangerous furniture by door to door.

Electric blanket campaigns - Being set up in 3 locations across Hampshire during September and October.

Equality Impact Assessments are taking place to ensure that no element of the community is being discriminated by any CS activity.

2.2

Schools Education

The Fire Challenge Crew have engaged in a more diverse range of activities since April. These have included introducing an exciting Road Safety element to our education programme at Key Stage 1 and a Water Safety campaign (Think B4 U Jump) at Key Stages 3 and 4.

Unfortunately staff shortages resulted in fewer numbers of children being seen than this time last year, although many schools were able to be rescheduled for the next academic year. However, with the concerted effort of all the staff involved in Community Safety, we have still managed to work with 5520 pupils in Key Stage 1, 4630 pupils in Key Stage 2 and 7777 pupils in Key Stage 3; in addition to our work in special education and the private sector.

2.3

Arson Reduction

The joint Police and Fire Service Arson Task Force (ATF) is now well on the way to being operational. Staff have been appointed from both services and initial training has been carried out with the handler and the newly acquired Accelerant Detector Dog, Saxon. An office has been established at Alton Fire Station. The official launch is delayed until arrival of the van in early October. The primary ambition of the ATF will be to improve the detection and conviction rate of arsonists.

Youth Engagement Strategy is complete and awaiting final approval. This will form part of a range of business level strategies that will direct Community Safety in line with the requirements of the IRMP.

Post Incident

Between April and June 2006 inclusive, the Community Support Team have attended 155 incidents. We have visited 2888 properties during this time, the occupants of which have received fire safety leaflets relating to Smoke Alarms, Home Fire Safety Visits and Escape Plans.

Of these properties we were able to speak with 344 people to give further fire safety advice and fitted 85 x 10 year smoke detectors.

3

Protecting

3.1

Following on from the signing of the formal partnership between HFRS and the National Trust previously reported, the first one day courses for NT managers took place in the West Midlands during July. This was a highly successful training event which was well received by all who attended, so much so that regional officers within the NT indicated their interest in sending additional departmental staff on the course. HFRS are now making a considerable impact nationally to reduce risk in public places, whilst at the same time helping to preserve our heritage from fire.

3.2

HFRS played a major part in the production of new national guidance recently published by the Practitioners Forum on Fire Safety Management within the FRS. This is the first document of its kind issued by the practitioners forum and the current HFRS Protection policies reflect the guidance issued as best practice.

4

Group Activity

Preventing

Community Support Team:

Number of dwelling fires attended: 5

Number of properties visited: 91

Number of smoke detectors fitted as a result of these visits: 2

Operational Crews:

Number of Home Fire Safety Visits: 274

Number of smoke detectors fitted: 843

Protecting

The Protection team from Basingstoke Fire Station have been experiencing high levels of varied activity, examples of which are:

Arson prevention initiatives:

1. Basingstoke, South Ham - Kings Road shopping precinct. A program in conjunction with the police arson/ crime prevention section to make the residents and shop keepers aware of accumulated rubbish in the area

2. Basingstoke, Stanford Road - One Stop shop. As Above

3. Setting up a partnership with Basingstoke & Deane BC to board up empty commercial premises.

Sprinklers promotion:

Initial talks with developers, regarding fitting residential sprinklers in 180 units at Bishops Green, Nr Newbury.

Business education:

Talks and seminar being held to assist the business community in readiness for the introduction of the new Order.

· Festival Place on a monthly basis

· Local Business Partnership in September

· Dummer Village Hall for 80 persons in charge of Village Halls and similar premises around the Basingstoke and Deane BC.

Enforcement:

6 premises in the Basingstoke and Deane area were subject to enforcement notices being issued

Prosecution:

Three premises have been identified for prosecution by our legal action team.

Responding

14 July 2006: On one of the hottest days of the year a fire broke out in Benyons Enclosure, Welshmans Road, Mortimer West End. Fanned by fairly strong winds the fire quickly spread to approximately 7 hectares of woodland and required the attendance of 8 pumps, 4 landrovers, 2 water carriers and many other special appliances. Numerous jets, hosereels, knapsack tanks and beaters were used to contain the fire and relief crews were deployed over a period of 5 days. The forest and heathland throughout the area was tinder dry and the obvious concerns were that there would be further outbreaks should the hot, dry weather continue.

Preventing

Community Support Team:

Number of dwelling fires attended: 12

Number of properties visited: 220

Number of smoke detectors fitted as a result of these visits: 1

Operational Crews:

Number of Home Fire Safety Visits: 228

Number of smoke detectors fitted: 340

Protecting

The thorough preparation involved with the organisers of Farnborough Airshow 2006 resulted in a trouble free show. There were only two calls to the Rushmoor office, which resulted in an on site inspection. Both were resolved easily. The partnership between Rushmoor Officers and hart District Council with respect to HMOS's has developed well. Joint inspections have been carried with risk reduction activities taking place.

Major developments with regards to the Health Centre, Westgate, Farnborough Town centre and Hartland Park are ongoing and awaiting Architects responses to our consultation comments.

A License review of application for a large public gathering event ("Beanie Man") at Rushmoor Arena was held at the Rushmoor Borough Council Chambers. HFRS Officers who had made representation collaborated with the local Authority and put a very good case forward that demonstrated that this event would be unsafe for members of the public. The License was refused by the Councils Members hearing the evidence.

No FP Act Section 10 notices or enforcement notices were issued by this office during this reporting period.

Responding

5 August 2006: A pump from Yateley mobilised to a bin fire in Salisbury Road, Blackwater, booked in attendance and reported a fire involving the roof and first floor of a property and made pumps up to 5. The semi-detached building 8 metres by 8 metres suffered severe fire damage to the roof and first floor with the ground floor suffering water damage. During firefighting operations 2 jets, 6 hosereels, 12 BA and an aerial ladder platform were used to contain the fire.

Preventing

Community Support Team:

Number of dwelling fires attended: 6

Number of properties visited: 97

Number of smoke detectors fitted as a result of these visits: 21

Includes Double Fatal Fire at The Causeway, Petersfield.

Operational Crews:

Number of Home Fire Safety Visits: 66

Number of smoke detectors fitted: 204

Protecting

No significant activity.

Responding

1 June 2006: Crews from Petersfield fire station were mobilised to a house fire in The Causeway at Petersfield and on arrival reported a severe fire on the ground floor with persons reported. They commenced rescue operations and firefighting using 3 hosereels and 6 BA. They made pumps up to 5 to assist with BA in the search for casualties. An adult female and a young girl were located by HFRS crews and removed from the building. Unfortunately we were later informed that they had been fatally injured during the incident. The ground floor of the 14 by 6 metre property was severely damaged by fire and the first floor by smoke. One jet, 5 hosereels and 10 BA were used to bring the fire under control. An adult male and a further child had escaped the fire before arrival of the crews at this tragic incident.

5 June 2006: Control received an initial call to an AFA activating at 3C Leisure, Unit 5, Newmans Lane, Alton. A second call confirmed a fire at the premises and additional resources were mobilised. Pumps were quickly made up to 5 and eventually to 12 with 2 Aerial Ladder Platforms, 2 Water Carriers and numerous other special appliances requested. The industrial unit, 20 metres by 25 metres of 2 floors was being used as a storage warehouse and ground floor workshop. LPG cylinders and other stored items were involved in the fire that required 7 jets, an Aerial Ladder Platform monitor, a ground monitor and 26 BA to contain. The stop message indicated that 45% of the structure and contents had been damaged by fire and 60% by smoke. More than 150 personnel were required to deal with this severe and protracted incident.

Preventing

Community Support Team:

Number of dwelling fires attended: 9

Number of properties visited: 146

Number of smoke detectors fitted as a result of these visits: 3

Operational Crews:

Number of Home Fire Safety Visits: 285

Number of smoke detectors fitted: 678

Protecting

Approximately 25 managers responsible for residential accommodation in the Gosport area attended the latest of our seminars arranged by the protection team based at Fareham Fire Station, aimed at informing responsible persons about the forthcoming changes to fire safety legislation.

Responding

6 June 2006: A severe fire in a house at The Croft in Stubbington was treated as a persons reported and the first appliance arrived within 6 minutes and rescued a disabled elderly male from the first floor. Two females and a number of animals had been rescued before arrival of HFRS. Unfortunately this was identified as a further incident where the batteries had been removed from the smoke detector and highlighted the dangers of such actions.

13 July 2006: Crews mobilised to a serious house fire in a row of terraced properties in Paxton Road at Fareham made pumps up to 5 and requested a turntable ladder. The fire spread to the roof of 3 properties in the 15 by 40 metre terrace. One male casualty was rescued from the property, he was unconscious and had suffered serious burns. The stop message indicated that the centre house in the terrace suffered severe fire damage and total collapse of the roof and the houses either side suffered fire damage and partial roof collapse. During extensive firefighting actions 2 jets, 2 hosereels and 15 BA were deployed. The male casualty is still seriously ill in hospital. An extensive fire investigation was carried out over a number of days to try to establish the cause of the fire.

Preventing

Community Support Team:

Number of dwelling fires attended: 29

Number of properties visited: 445

Number of smoke detectors fitted as a result of these visits: 15

Operational Crews:

Number of Home Fire Safety Visits: 877

Number of smoke detectors fitted: 3174

Protecting

Protection Teams from Copnor Fire Station continue to make innovations in our diversity strategy. In our efforts to make contacts with the BEM community we have invited community leaders and businessmen to spend a day with us. We have had two members of the Bangladeshi community accompany one of our inspectors on fire safety audits of workplaces. Later this month two members of the Chinese community will be taking part in similar activities. By engaging with the leading members of the various ethnic groups we hope to establish links and understanding with the whole business community.

In April the Housing Act 2004 came into force. One of the effects of the Act is to give local authority housing departments the same powers of restriction and prohibition as those of fire authorities. As a consequence we have opened discussions with the head of Portsmouth Community Housing Department with the aim of transferring all Section 10 Notices currently in force to the equivalent Housing Act notice.

We have been working closely with the management of Spinnaker Tower to overcome the difficulties of access/egress for the disabled. Following several meetings and witnessing the operation of the evacuation chair we have given approval for the revised evacuation strategy which will allow controlled access for the disabled.

We are currently in discussion with Havant Borough council department about a future working partnership for the inspection of HMO's. This followed our response to a complaint about fire safety standards in a well know terrace of HMO's on Hayling Island. The standards were such that we were forced to serve a Section 10 Notice to restrict the use of the premises to the ground and first floor only. We hope the partnership will enable our two departments to work more closely to reduce the risk from fire in HMO's and thus eliminate the need to take this type of emergency action.

Responding

29 June 2006: HFRS crews were called to a road traffic collision involving a car and lorry on Eastern Road at Farlington. On arrival they reported that the car was well alight with the driver trapped inside. Crews extinguished the fire then assisted the Police to erect barriers to shield the traumatic scene from passing members of the public. It has not yet been established if the male fatality died as a result of the road traffic accident or the fire.

22 July 2006: A fire in Manners Road, Southsea, involving the roof and first floor with persons reported within the building required the attendance of 5 pumps. The fire in a private dwelling 20 metres by 5 metres was brought under control using 1 jet, 4 hosereels and 12 BA. Fortunately it was established that there were no persons within the property. The incident occurred at the same time that a storm crossed the county causing flooding, lightning strikes and numerous AFA's to activate. Many of the incidents were in the Portsmouth area and proved to be a serious drain on resources requiring numerous standby moves to be made.

1 August 2006: West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service asked for assistance when a fire involving a factory spread to thatched cottages in the High Street at Selsey. Initially one pump was requested but eventually they required 6 pumps, a Multi Role Vehicle to support BA operations and assistance with extensive feeding throughout this protracted incident.

7 August 2006: A fire in a mid terraced property in St Peters Grove, Southsea, required the attendance of 8 pumps, a Turntable Ladder and numerous special appliances. Fire crews worked in difficult conditions to contain the fire and stop it spreading to the 2 adjoining houses. The stop message indicated that the dwelling of 2 floors and a basement, 4 metres by 10 metres suffered severe fire damage to the roof and first floor with smoke damage to the houses on either side. One jet, 3 hosereels and 16 BA were used during firefighting.

16 August 2006: The first crews attending a fire in the Youth Centre in Sevenoaks Road, Wymering, made pumps up to 4 and then to 6. The 2 storey building 42 metres by 15 metres suffered 50% damage by fire and 100% by smoke with partial collapse of the roof. During the firefighting operation 5 jets, 16 BA and a water monitor from the Turntable Ladder were used to bring the incident under control. Police and Fire Officers investigating the fire determined arson as the cause.

Preventing

Community Support Team:

Number of dwelling fires attended: 21

Number of properties visited: 471

Number of smoke detectors fitted as a result of these visits: 8

Includes Arson Leaflet Drop/Bishops Waltham 9 6 06.

Operational Crews:

Number of Home Fire Safety Visits: 242

Number of smoke detectors fitted: 484

Protecting

May Bank holiday Weekend Download Festival

Up to 30,000 members of the public descended on the Matterley Bowl over the Spring bank holiday for a 3 day pop festival. There was also provision of camping facilities for 27,00 people. The HFRS Protection team at Winchester worked closely with the Licensing department at Winchester City Council and the organisers and it is pleasing to note the event passed off with no reported fire incidents.

Wickham Fair

Winchester based staff were involved with pre event planning with the local licensing authority, police and the organisers. HFRS protection teams ensured that emergency access was available as this event was held in The Square at Wickham and whilst local traffic was diverted, it had to be ensured that fire appliance access was maintained at all times.

General Activities

The Protection team from Winchester have been engaged in working with management at Marwell Hall, a Grade 2 listed building. Because of the special fire safety provisions needed for this type of premises, we have been in consultation with local conservation officers on behalf of English Heritage.

A large student accommodation complex began to experience a high number of Unwanted Automatic Fire Alarm calls to HFRS in the latter part of 2005 and into 2006. A management system has been agreed upon and it is pleasing to note there has been a significant decline in this type of call.

With a large student population in Winchester, there are a significant number of Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO's) which pose concern in both HFRS and the Environmental Health department of Winchester City Council. We have been working closely with their officers to bring these premises to an acceptable standard. One premises of note was located above a large city centre restaurant/public house, comprising 31 separate housing units. Joint inspections were carried out, with. recommendations being agreed upon to ensure the safety of the tenants.

Responding

19 May 2006: Crews from Eastleigh arrived at a fire in Twyford Road, Eastleigh within 4 minutes of the emergency call being raised. They rescued an unconscious female from the mid terraced property and brought the fire under control using 2 hosereels and 8 BA. The occupier was given oxygen therapy by crews at the scene. There were two smoke detectors in the property but neither operated, one because the battery had been removed and the other was incorrectly located. The Community Safety Team visited the location the next day to provide fire safety advise to neighbouring residents.

Preventing

Community Support Team:

Number of dwelling fires attended: 18

Number of properties visited: 292

Number of smoke detectors fitted as a result of these visits: 11

Operational Crews:

Number of Home Fire Safety Visits: 525

Number of smoke detectors fitted: 1035

Protecting

The Protection Team from Andover Fire Station have been dealing with the following significant projects:

Discussions with Architects reference two large single story buildings in redevelopment that will require Sprinklers and Smoke Ventilation.

Arrangements for Domestic Sprinklers to be used in a new development in Chilbolton where access for Fire Appliances cannot be satisfied.

We have been involved in the initial design consultation where TVBC are building a Theatre on the campus of Cricklade College

Consultation on Fire Safety Management with Broadlands Estate, who hosted the County Land & Business Association Game Fair. 50,000 people were expected per day over a weekend in July.

One prohibition notice was issued in Romsey. This was to prevent the unacceptable risk to life posed by the use of a second floor as sleeping accommodation for staff over a workplace.

Our Protection team from Hightown Fire Station has been involved in detailed consultation over the design of fire safety in the development of an extension to the Swan Shopping Centre in Eastleigh.

Previous lessons learned at the Hampshire Rose Bowl cricket ground in respect of musical concerts, were successfully implemented during a recent concert held at the venue. Close liaison and joint working between HFRS and the Rose Bowl safety staff has ensured safe practices are employed for these high profile events.

During the period 1 enforcement notice has been served on premises within Eastleigh.

Responding

26 June 2006: The Chief Officer has already written to members concerning the serious fire and explosion at ML Wallop Defence Industries, Craydown Lane, Middle Wallop. One member of staff was fatally injured in the explosion and several suffered minor injuries. HFRS personnel assisted at the incident and on following days to help mitigate the chance of further escalation.

Preventing

Community Support Team:

Number of dwelling fires attended: 45

Number of properties visited: 956

Number of smoke detectors fitted as a result of these visits: 19

Includes 150 Leaflet Drops at Canberra Towers 11 4 06.

Operational Crews:

Number of Home Fire Safety Visits: 680

Number of smoke detectors fitted: 1502

Protecting

Protection Teams based at Redbridge have been involved in the following major projects:

A productive initial meeting between HFRS and Southampton City Council (SCC) was held, to initiate the formation of a formal partnership. There was extensive, constructive dialogue and the proposal was agreed by all present. The proposal to form a partnership was to be taken to the next full council meeting for approval and progression.

A domestic sprinkler system, jointly funded by HFRS and SCC has been installed to a charity refuge in Southampton, providing a safer environment for the vulnerable residents accommodated there.

This will be a flagship project aimed at encouraging similar installations in housing projects and high risk premises.

Continued consultation is being carried out between HFRS, SCC and developers towards appropriate fire safety design considerations in the development on the remaining West Quay retail site.

During the period 4 enforcement notices have been served on premises within Southampton.

Responding

27 May 2006: A bin fire at the Old Ship Inn, on the A27 at Lower Swanwick quickly spread and the first crews in attendance made pumps up to six. The L-shaped building of 30 metres by 10 metres suffered 50% fire damage to the ground floor public bar and 100% damage by smoke. The roof suffered 75% fire damage. The fire was contained using 6 jets, 3 hosereels and 30 BA with smoke being ventilated by removal of roof tiles.

Preventing

Community Support Team:

Number of dwelling fires attended: 5

Number of properties visited: 70

Number of smoke detectors fitted as a result of these visits: 0

Operational Crews:

Number of Home Fire Safety Visits: 59

Number of smoke detectors fitted: 129

Protecting

During the period 3 enforcement notices have been served on premises within New Forest North.

Responding

3 July 2006: A large fire in the woods at Carpenters Down, Popley, Basingstoke required the attendance of 5 pumps, 3 landrovers and 2 water carriers. Approximately 4 hectares of woodland were destroyed by the fire and crews were detained at the location for more than 10 hours.

Preventing

Community Support Team:

Number of dwelling fires attended: 5

Number of properties visited: 100

Audience numbers during visit: 11

Number of smoke detectors fitted as a result of these visits: 5

Operational Crews:

Number of Home Fire Safety Visits: 74

Number of smoke detectors fitted: 199

Protecting

Our Protection team based at Lyndhurst Fire Station have been involved in extensive consultation with the fire safety department at the Esso refinery at Fawley, in preparation for the introduction of new fire safety legislation in October 2006 when enforcement responsibility for non-process buildings transfers from the HSE to HFRS.

Initial site consultations have taken place for the proposed new power station at Marchwood. This will be a large development employing engineered solutions to it's fire safety provisions.

The new Lymington Hospital nears it's practical completion Protection Fire Safety Engineers are now working together with the local group managers to arrange familiarisation visits for the local crews.

During the period 6 enforcement notices and 1 prohibition notice have been served on premises within New Forest South .

Responding

24 May 2006: A fire at Herb UK Ltd, Wellworthy Road, Lymington was initially thought to involve chemicals used in the manufacture of hairdressing products. The fire involved 50% of a single storey, steel clad, industrial building 115 metres by 40 metres. Pumps were made up to 6 with numerous special appliances including an Aerial Ladder Platform (ALP). The incident was brought under control using 9 jets, 10 BA and the ALP and fortunately crews were able to establish that the chemicals were not involved in fire.

27 May 2006: A full attendance was made to the Marine Terminal at Esso following a report of a fire in a ship alongside. The ships crew assisted by Esso Fawley firefighters were able to quickly bring the small fire in the stack under control using 2 hosereel jets. The incident proved to be a useful test of the support arrangements which are in place for this site.