Archived decisions

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority Item 8

13 December 2006

Activity Report

Report of the Chief Officer

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

1

Responding

1.1

On the 12 October 2006 crews from Southsea were called to rescue a construction worker who was trapped in a deep excavation when it collapsed. On arrival they requested further assistance which included Hampshire's Urban Search and Rescue Team. The team responded from Eastleigh and with the specialist knowledge and equipment that has been supplied as part of Central Governments resilience programme, completed a successful rescue of the trapped worker under difficult and potentially dangerous conditions.

1.2

August saw HFRS dealing with a number of large fires involving Forestry Commission land in the New Forest. As part of our ongoing commitment to protect the natural environment a new partnership has been agreed with the Forestry Commission. This new initiative has been championed by our Rural Safety Officer (RSO) in the New Forest and will develop new Protection and Prevention measures as well as improving joint working during actual incidents. The RSO is currently exploring ways in which the Forestry Commission partnership can be extended to other major stakeholders in the natural environment, eg, English Nature.

1.3

The incident at the Esso Marine Terminal on the 17October 2006 initiated the Esso Fawley Operational Plan as well as the Solent Marine Emergency Plan (SOLFIRE). Pre planning is an essential element in resolving incidents that have the potential to develop into major incidents. This incident was successfully resolved through a combination of pre planning and joint working.

2

Preventing

2.1

Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSV)

Our planned roll-out of HFSV to Retained Duty System stations has commenced. This is improving the capacity of the service to deliver HFSV's and engaging our RDS personnel in risk reduction activities within their local communities. A performance management tool has been developed to allow Group and Station Managers to monitor the activity and measure their efficiency.

Preparatory work has been carried out to refocus delivery of HFSVs to those who are most vulnerable and at highest risk from fire. This change will improved effectiveness within the current level of HFSV delivery. The revised process will allow provision of different levels of service dependent upon risk. The changes will be phased in as of 1st February 2007. The different levels of service are:

· A Home Fire Safety Visit

· A Home Fire Safety presentation on a fire station

· Sending out fire safety literature

· Signposting people to our web site for information

To support the refocus referral literature has been updated to collect specific information about the individual. This approach will enable us to focus our resources on those most at risk whilst still providing an appropriate level of advice to others.

The Service is receiving received positive results from the partnerships with Primary Care Trusts (PCTs). These partnerships were established to allow the PCTs to refer the most at risk in the community for a HFSV. Press interest has been generated and articles have been prepared and sent to local press and national health/ fire journals.

Projects are underway in East Hants and Eastleigh to investigate the potential for using third parties and volunteers to deliver HFSVs. Although in its early days this is recognised as a way to harness far greater capacity in the future.

The service now has an agreed Lone Working Policy and this will be an option for delivering HFSV's in the future. Implementation of lone working will enable significant improvements in efficiency as we strive to reach our most at risk people in the communities.

Following a revision of the HFSV administration process, accurate and up to date information is now available within the service. Our figures indicate that we should deliver the target number of HFSV's set within the IRMP.

2.2

AVI - Information Kiosks

Two interactive information kiosks have been purchased from AVI to help promote the service using technology. The initial evaluation is underway with one at John Pounds Community Centre in Portsmouth and the other at the Hart Neighbourhood Centre. The kiosks will provide information to the public on community safety, technical fire safety, recruitment opportunities and other service related information.

2.3

Student Brand Ambassador

There is now a Student Brand Ambassador for HFRS based at Southampton University. DCLG have funded a 2 month contract, delivering the `fire kills' campaign to students in shared and rented accommodation. There is potential to extend this commitment to a full academic year and to assign more Ambassadors throughout Hampshire, along with policies and procedures for Group Managers.

2.4

Road Safety

A set of shared objectives has been established with Hampshire Road Safety (Hants RST) and literature has been sent out to Stations. A number of activities in support of National Road Safety Week were carried out in conjunction with Hants RST. Groups and Stations are enthusiastically taking on the new role of improving road safety through prevention activity.

The Safe Drive, Stay Alive project is under initial investigation to determine scope of scheme. The project proposal is to be presented to the Safety Camera Partnership to allow for implementation of the programme in September 2007.

2.5

Electric blanket Testing

In partnership with Hampshire Trading Standards, Portsmouth Trading Standards, Southampton Trading Standards and local councils electric blanket testing was carried out at 17 venues across the county. There were 1146 blankets tested of which 57% were passed as safe. Within the numbers that failed the test there were 38 which were repaired on the scene but the remaining 457 blankets were condemned. This is a major achievement in removing a potential cause of life threatening fires..

2.6

Schools Education

The Road Safety element in our Key Stage 1 Safety Education Programme has been successfully piloted , evaluated and implemented. We are beginning work on our Key Stage 2 module.

Our End of Year Report is now live on the website so that everyone can access information on our achievements. We are sending postcards and emails to interested friends and colleagues to point them in the direction of our website.

2.7

Arson Task Force

The Arson Task Force has now been established although there is still a vacancy to be filled by a police representative. The Fire Investigation Dog is now fully trained and agreement has been reached for this resource to be made available 24/7 at the request of fire Investigators carrying out more complex investigations. Increased collaboration between Fire Investigators and the Police Crime Scene Investigators (CSIs) has improved levels of detection and conviction culminating in 15 arrests, 2 convictions and 3 awaiting trial in the last quarter.

2.8

Fire Investigation (FI)

FI training has now been placed on all Police Crime Scene Investigators initial training. The new FI tracking system is now in place which enables current and completed investigations to be monitored. Since the tracker went live on 24 May 2006, 82 fire investigations have been carried out involving 495 hours work.

2.9

Fire Setter Intervention Team

The rejuvenation project of the Firesetter Intervention is now complete and a team of 20 part time and 2 full time intervention practitioners have been trained and put into action. This team will work directly with young people who have shown fire setting behaviour and are referred by partner agencies.

2.10

Local Intervention Fire Education (LIFE)

Due to demand from Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships (CDRPs) a full time LIFE team has been brought together to deliver 6 programmes before the end of March 2007. The objective of these courses is to address antisocial behaviour and challenge fire setting patterns. This team has been established from within existing Group resources which have been released by Group Managers who recognise the benefits of these courses.

2.11

Princes Trust Team

Two twelve week Princes Trust TEAM Programmes have successfully been delivered. One in Southampton and one in Basingstoke.

2.12

Domestic Sprinklers

On 29 November 2006 a demonstration of the effectiveness of domestic sprinklers was held at Bishops Green near Newbury. The event was attended by over 80 people from Housing Associations, Fire and Rescue Services, Building/Planning departments and members of the public. This allowed all stakeholders to witness first-hand how effective domestic sprinklers can be in protecting life and property. The demonstration comprised simultaneous live burns of 2 houses, due for demolition, one which had been fitted with sprinklers and one which had not.

The event was covered by the BBC and was shown on the breakfast and lunchtime bulletins. A DVD and information pack will be prepared of this presentation and made available to interested parties in the new year.

3

Protecting

3.1

In support of the Service strategy to reduce unwanted signals from AFA systems, poor performing premises are now referred to our Fire Safety Officers from the AFA reduction team, and audit based actions are being undertaken in all areas to educate and inform responsible persons in respect of correct fire alarm management. This has resulted in significant reductions in the overall number of calls received which impact on our corporate aim to be a top performing authority.

3.2

Building on the success of the initial training delivered to National Trust managers, HFRS fire engineers have been heavily involved in the ongoing training programme across the country as part of the formal partnership agreement. The training continues to be well received by all recipients, and HFRS is recognised as contributing enormously to the development of unique solutions to ensure protection of heritage buildings.

4

Group Activity

Preventing

Community Support Team:

Number of dwelling fires attended:

Number of properties visited:

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

3

23

0

Operational Crews:

Number of Home Fire Safety Visits:

Number of smoke detectors fitted:

428

945

Protecting

During the period 6 enforcement notices have been served on premises within the Basingstoke area.

Arrangements have been made for a practical demonstration of the effectiveness of domestic sprinklers. This is to pave the way for sprinkler installation in new build on same site. The event is scheduled for November at a development near Kingsclere

Talks and seminar have been held to raise awareness of the new Fire Safety Order at Festival Place shopping centre on a monthly basis.

Responding

18 September 2006: Basingstoke crews mobilised to a car fire at Wallop Drive, Basingstoke, were confronted with a very traumatic incident with a male person inside the burning vehicle. The car suffered severe fire damage and crews were detained providing lighting at the scene before the body could be removed.

Preventing

Community Support Team:

Number of dwelling fires attended:

Number of properties visited:

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

5

48

4

Operational Crews:

Number of Home Fire Safety Visits:

Number of smoke detectors fitted:

880

1235

Protecting

During the period 4 prohibition notices have been served on premises within the Rushmoor area.

There have been discussions and meetings with the local authority and translation services so that we are able to offer written reports in our clients first language in Rushmoor Borough.

Responding

No significant activity.

Preventing

Community Support Team:

Number of dwelling fires attended:

Number of properties visited:

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

3

42

3

Operational Crews:

Number of Home Fire Safety Visits:

Number of smoke detectors fitted:

230

643

Protecting

In our ongoing efforts to work more closely with the various black and ethnic minority groups in the Portsmouth area, we invited owners of Chinese restaurants and takeaways to a seminar at Southsea fire station. About 40 people attend the seminar on the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order which came into effect on the 1 October. We provided an interpreter and lunch and the event was well received and further similar seminars are planned for East Hampshire.

Responding

No significant activity.

Preventing

Community Support Team:

Number of dwelling fires attended:

Number of properties visited:

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

10

256

20

Operational Crews:

Number of Home Fire Safety Visits:

Number of smoke detectors fitted:

499

1032

Protecting

In our ongoing efforts to work more closely with the various black and ethnic minority groups in the Portsmouth area, we invited owners of Chinese restaurants and takeaways to a seminar at Southsea fire station. About 40 people attend the seminar on the Regulatory Reform (Fire safety) Order which came into effect on the 1 October. We provided an interpreter and lunch and the event was well received and further similar seminars are planned for Fareham and Gosport.

Responding

No significant activity.

Preventing

Community Support Team:

Number of dwelling fires attended:

Number of properties visited:

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

21

390

6

Operational Crews:

Number of Home Fire Safety Visits:

Number of smoke detectors fitted:

1045

3576

Protecting

In our ongoing efforts to work more closely with the various black and ethnic minority groups in the Portsmouth area, we invited owners of Chinese restaurants and takeaways to a seminar at Southsea fire station. About 40 people attend the seminar on the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order which came into effect on the 1 October. We provided an interpreter and lunch and the event was well received and further similar seminars are planned for Havant.

Responding

9 October 2006: Crews were called to a car fire in Grafton Street, Portsmouth with a male person involved in fire. On arrival they located the male suffering serious burns, he later perished from his injuries. Two Police Officers who were first to attend the incident suffered burns and required hospital treatment.

12 October 2006: Portsmouth crews mobilised to deal with a male person trapped in a trench collapse at Devonshire Square, Southsea, made pumps up to 3 and requested the attendance of the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team. Firefighters worked for several hours shoring up the trench and extricating the casualty who suffered only minor injuries to his leg. This incident highlighted the value of the extensive training provided for the USAR team in this type of extrication work and also ensuring that Hampshire were in the forefront when the rescue equipment was made available by the DCLG.

Preventing

Community Support Team:

Number of dwelling fires attended:

Number of properties visited:

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

9

203

0

Operational Crews:

Number of Home Fire Safety Visits:

Number of smoke detectors fitted:

310

743

Protecting

During the period 4 enforcement notices and 1 prohibition have been served on premises within the Winchester area.

Plans are progressing for the amalgamation of the Winchester and Andover TFS offices prior to the change of Andover to shift crewing in April. This will see all protection services for both of these local authority areas provided from a single Winchester office.

Responding

No significant activity.

Preventing

Community Support Team:

Number of dwelling fires attended:

Number of properties visited:

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

9

116

21

Operational Crews:

Number of Home Fire Safety Visits:

Number of smoke detectors fitted:

454

907

Protecting

During the period 4 enforcement notices and 1 prohibition have been served on premises within the Eastleigh area together with 2 enforcement notices in Test Valley.

Under the HCC partnership agreement, the assistance of West Group was requested from HFRS seconded officer in respect of a heritage building owned by HCC, to capitalise on the experience gained through the National Trust work.

Advice and guidance was given in respect of `Jane Austin House' in Chawton near Winchester.

It is now confirmed that expansion of the Swan Shopping Centre in Eastleigh will go ahead. The extended complex will include a Multiplex Cinema, shops, car park and leisure units. Consultations are underway between HFRS, architects, developers and the centre management to ensure that the existing centre is not compromised and that all appropriate fire engineering provisions are extended into the new build.

Planned proposals have been released confirming the expansion of the Hampshire Rose Bowl cricket ground in West End. The proposals will see the ground transformed into a formal seated sports ground with an integral hotel, and a second road built to serve the site. Officers from the Hightown office are fully involved in the planning and development of fire safety provisions for this prestigious project.

Bi-monthly consultation meetings are underway between HFRS and BAA in respect of the departures lounge development at Southampton Airport. In addition, initial discussions have been held between airport management and fire safety officers regarding proposals for a new apron to be constructed on the far side of the airport site. These discussions have included both protection and response personnel to ensure that all facets of the IRMP are met.

The Eastleigh Borough Council Safety Advisory Group have met for initial discussions regarding both the forthcoming Eastleigh Music Festival and a music festival to be held in the `Point Theatre'. HFRS are represented on this SAG.

Consultations are in progress between HFRS and developers regarding fire engineering solutions to be incorporated into the large replacement warehouse, to be erected on the site of the Import Services building in Eastleigh, which was destroyed by fire.

The thorough preparation involved with the organisers of CLA (County Land and Business Association) Game Fair 2006, held in the grounds of Broadlands Estate, Romsey, resulted in a trouble free show. Around 150,000 people over 3 days attended the site. Some learning points were noted, and the Health and Safety Section of the organisation will feed these into plans for the 2010 show.

A partnership between Test Valley Borough Council with respect to HMOS's is being developed. It is hoped that TVBC Housing Officers will be carrying out inspections both on our behalf and jointly with HFRS Inspectors.

Responding

24 September 2006: A severe house fire in Old London Road, Stockbridge required 6 pumps and special appliances to extinguish. The 2 storey private dwelling 17 metres by 13 metres suffered fire damage to 20% of the roof and 50% of the first floor. Crews deployed 1 jet, 3 hosereels and 10 BA during the firefighting operation and salvage work was carried out throughout the building.

28 November 2006: A fire within a flat in a large country house in Kiln Lane, Brambridge, with the possibility of a person still inside, was attended by crews from Eastleigh and Winchester. Crews rescued a female from the property and she was removed by Hampshire Ambulance but we were later informed that she had perished. The fire was brought under control using 1 jet, 2 hosereels and 6 BA and a full fire investigation is being carried out to establish the cause.

Preventing

Community Support Team:

Number of dwelling fires attended:

Number of properties visited:

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

29

561

19

Operational Crews:

Number of Home Fire Safety Visits:

Number of smoke detectors fitted:

1054

2153

Protecting

During the period 10 enforcement notices and 1 prohibition notice have been served on premises within Southampton.

Following a joint meeting between 2 fire safety officers from West Group, Environmental Health and a prominent Southampton landlord, an appropriate protocol has been agreed for the use of residential sprinkler systems in HMO's throughout the city.

A package of acceptable relaxations to structural fire precautions in lieu of sprinklers, which will provide greatly enhanced safety at a cost effective price, has been accepted by the property owner who has subsequently commissioned the first residential sprinkler installation within his properties. The owner is keen to implement sprinkler protection in new properties and will consider retrospectively installing systems in the existing stock as they are refurbished. This represents a significant step in improving the safety of Southampton residents in our highest risk residential premises.

Alongside this initiative, the 2 fire safety officers involved have developed a comprehensive business plan for the installation of a residential sprinkler demonstration unit within the SHQ training facilities. This potentially offers opportunities for a range of fire scenarios to be demonstrated in support of the HFRS commitment to champion the installation of fixed fire protection systems.

Discussions have taken place between HFRS and SCC staff in respect of fire precautions in heritage buildings within the city, in particular the timber framed `Tudor House' in the city centre is currently under refurbishment and the opportunity has been taken to discuss incorporating fire protection measures, including fixed protection systems to protect this vulnerable building.

Much work has been completed on the Premises Risk Management Plan for the West Quay Shopping Centre and as a result a partnership agreement between HFRS and the West Quay management team is to be signed on 29 November 2006.

In line with HFRS policy on BME and diversity, consultation is currently underway between fire safety officers from West Group and leaders of various community groups, particularly Bengali, Sikhs and Chinese, with a view to greater understanding of legal fire safety requirements within these groups.

A Safety Advisory Group (SAG) has now been established in Southampton and HFRS are represented on the group by inspectors from West Group.

Responding

8 September 2006: Crews mobilised to a fire in a block of flats under construction arrived to find the building well alight. Pumps were made up to 6 with a request for an ALP and numerous additional special appliances. The stop message indicated that the 2 storey building 30 by 15 metres suffered severe fire damage to 50% of the ground, first floors and the roof with the remainder of the building being damaged by heat and smoke. Four jets, an ALP monitor and 24 BA were used to contain the fire. The cause is still under investigation and Fire Investigation Officers with a sniffer dog and forensic experts spent many hours at the scene establishing the cause.

Preventing

Community Support Team:

Number of dwelling fires attended:

Number of properties visited:

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

4

76

0

Operational Crews:

Number of Home Fire Safety Visits:

Number of smoke detectors fitted:

71

176

Protecting

Both New Forest North and South areas are covered from the Lyndhurst fire safety office.

A Safety Advisory Group (SAG) has now been established in the New Forest and HFRS are represented on the group by inspectors from West Group TFS.

During the period 2 enforcement notices have been served on premises within New Forest North.

The Premises Risk Management Plans for Breamore House north of Fordingbridge and Mottisfont Abbey House north of Romsey continue to be developed.

Responding

28 August 2006: A further large heathland fire occurred adjacent to the A31 road through the New Forest on the Sunday of the August Bank Holiday weekend. The fire was very visible to passing motorists and Control were extremely busy dealing with 145 repeat calls from mobile telephone callers for this one incident. Five Pumps and 5 Landrovers were requested but 2 hectares of heathland were severely damaged. The Forestry Commission assisted with the firefighting operation.

Preventing

Community Support Team:

Number of dwelling fires attended:

Number of properties visited:

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

4

60

4

Operational Crews:

Number of Home Fire Safety Visits:

Number of smoke detectors fitted:

128

303

Protecting

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

Consultation between HFRS and the fire safety department at the Esso refinery at Fawley has continued, in preparation for the new fire safety legislation in October 2006 when enforcement responsibility for non-process buildings transferred from the HSE to HFRS.

Consultations continue in respect of the proposed new power station at Marchwood. This will be a lengthy process due to the complexity of the project and HFRS will remain involved throughout.

The new Lymington Hospital nears its practical completion and officers from the Lyndhurst fire safety office are now working together with the response group managers and hospital management to ensure all fire safety requirements are implemented.

Responding

25 and 28 August 2006: Children were suspected of lighting 2 large heathland fires at Badminston Common near Fawley. Both incidents required the attendance of 6 pumps supported by several Water Carriers, Landrovers and Multi Role Vehicles. This area is a regular location for this type of incident and the Group Manager is working closely with the Police and other agencies locally to try to resolve the issue of children lighting fires on the common and heathland areas and has had some initial success. Regular meetings are held involving HFRS, New Forest District Council (NFDC), Hampshire Police, Natural England, Forestry Commission, Community Wardens, the land owner and several other groups to identify solutions. These have included canvassing local dog walkers to assist in identifying the youths concerned, putting up posters at pinch points around the area encouraging local residents to ring dedicated numbers to report arson or children playing with matches. The posters describe the damage that such fires cause to the environment and wildlife. The land owner, Forestry Commission and NFDC have been encouraged to cut back undergrowth and widen footpaths and fire breaks to make the area more accessible for walkers which will hopefully deter these youths from lighting fires. The Police and Fire Officers have identified the youths concerned and they have been spoken to and told how seriously we view this type of arson and that they will be prosecuted if they are caught doing this in the future. Cameras are being placed on appliances to identify youths who are regularly in areas where fires occur. A meeting has already been arranged between interested parties for the Spring to ensure these initiatives are followed through next year.

17 October 2006: A full predetermined attendance was requested by Esso Fawley to assist their crews with a leakage of propane gas from the vessel Ennerdale on Berth 2 at the Marine Terminal. The incident was later categorised as a Solfire B with an informative indicating a propane leak from an 880 tonne tank. Hand held jets, water monitors and drenchers were put in place to reduce the fire risk at the scene. Several methods of resolving the gas leak were considered and eventually the leak was repaired by engineers at the scene. The majority of the pumps were stood down but a relief fire cover pump was required for in excess of 24 hours.

29 October 2006: A full day exercise to test HFRS civil resilience response was held commencing with a mobilisation of 12 pumps and special appliances to Service Headquarters to provide a convoy as we would be required to do in the event of a large incident requiring a response anywhere in the country. After forming at headquarters the convoy moved to Fawley Power Station under police escort. This proved to be an excellent and realistic test of the HFRS convoy procedures.

28 November 2006: Five pumps and special appliances were mobilised to assist on-site crews with a fire at Polimeri Europa UK Ltd, Cadland Road, Hardley when fire broke out in stored rubber. The incident was contained to the rubber products in an industrial building 60 metres by 60 metres. Three jets and 12 BA were used during firefighting operations to bring the incident under control.