Archived decisions

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

6 June 2007

Activity Report

Report of the Chief Officer

Contact: Deputy Chief Officer Dave Curry Tel : 023 80 626 832

Email : [email protected]

1

Introduction

1.1

In April 2007 four new directorates were introduced within the Service so that we can effectively respond to community risk and achieve our corporate aims, whilst taking account of other emerging national projects that impact upon our work. A new Service Delivery Management Team has been established led by Dave Curry who will now take responsibility for the presentation of the Activity Report to the Fire Authority. Service Delivery is one of the four new directorates and has been created to focus on the reduction of community risk through the integration and coordination of our Prevention, Protection and Response activities. This is a fundamental change in the way that we work. It will build upon the good work that has been developed over the last few years but will focus our activities on the reduction of community risks through an integrated approach.

The development of the Service Delivery Directorate will be based on the continuation of high professional standards of service and a strong team approach, which will build on our values. Important to this approach, is the development of our staff to ensure they have the right skills to be high-performing.

We will develop a productive learning environment, whereby performance management in terms of sharing best practice, monitoring and evaluation of our activity, will be pivotal to our work.

2

Responding

2.1

The Service has attended a number of significant property fires involving thatched roofs during this reporting period. Fires in thatches in Ecchinswell, Nursling and Rockbourne all required the attendance of six pumps plus special appliances. Work is ongoing with operational crews, Fire Investigation Officers, the Rural Safety Officer and the Community Safety Department to address the issue of thatch property fires.

2.2

On 11 February, six pumps were called to a fire at Hardley Secondary School, Hardley. The school suffered a severe fire in ground floor classrooms housing the woodwork and metalwork departments and there were early concerns that cylinders were involved in the fire. Fire Investigation Officers have classed the cause of the fire as doubtful.

2.3

A fire in Liphook Road, Whitehill required the attendance of six pumping appliances and the evacuation of all residents within 200metres when it was feared that potentially highly explosive acetylene cylinders were involved. Crews extinguished the fire very quickly using 10 Breathing Apparatus and firefighting foam. Once this was complete it was confirmed that the acetylene cylinder was not involved and residents were allowed to return to their homes.

3

Preventing

3.1

A considerable amount of work has been carried out both centrally and in Groups under the theme of Prevention. Included below are some of the more notable areas of development of delivery.

3.2

Schools Education

On Friday 2 February 2007, HFRS hosted an event to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the Schools Education Team. The focus of the event was to thank stakeholders in providing the partnerships that have allowed the Service to improve safety for a generation of children in Hampshire. The event was further endorsed by the introduction of a new style of Schools Safety Education Portfolio to allow the Service to keep all the schools up to date with current practice.

Since January, the Schools Safety Education Team have visited:

_ 5,351 pupils from Key Stage 1

_ 4,922 pupils from Key Stage 2

_ 7,846 pupils from Key Stage 3

_ 486 pupils from Key Stage 4

Additionally the Service has supported:

_ 2 Think Safe (Junior Citizen Events).

_ 6 Science Fairs

_ 2 tours of the play Arson About

_ A Rural Safety Arson Awareness Event

_ The Corporate Induction Training Course

The Schools Education team have also considered how they can support other aspects of Service Delivery through other initiatives such as a pack for Station Personnel to use with Scout and Guiding groups; an information pack for Babysitters and teenage mums called `Left Holding the Baby.' (supporting one of our target audiences for HFSV - `Houses with children under 5); work with the HCC Road Safety Team to develop our Road Safety Modules for Key Stages 2 and 3, and, in response to a number of recorded incidents and concerns voiced by HFRS, HM Coastguard, the Local Police and Local Authority Reps, lesson plans for teachers to deliver water safety education to Key Stage 3 pupils is being developed.

3.3

Fire and Arson Support Unit

The Fire and Arson Support Unit (FASU) is still in its embryonic stage however, in its new role it has attended:

24 Incidents

Visited 574 Properties

Spoken with 211 People

Fitted 10 Smoke Detectors

A break down of these numbers are listed below in groups activity.

Both the FASU Crew Manager and FASU Advisor have successfully completed the 5 day Joint Services Fire Investigation Foundation Course and Digital Imaging Course.

3.4

Local Intervention Fire Education (LiFE)

A full time team has been brought together to deliver up to 20 LiFE in 2007/8. This has been in response to a demand generated by the partnership between our GM and other Crime and Disorder Partnership members.

This arrangement was achieved through Group Managers and Community Safety making resources available on a series of short term secondments and limited funds being made available to allow RDS personnel to be involved as well.

Each LIFE course will be delivered by a total of six trained LIFE instructors - 4 W/T and 2 RDS personnel (who will be seconded to the LIFE programme for the week of the course only).

3.5

Prince's Trust Team Programme (PTT)

Since Oct - Mar 2007, we have engaged with 49 young people as a part of a programme that currently delivers 6 teams a year, with the view to expand to "Hot Spot" areas of need during 2007/2008 (funding dependant). All young people that PTT work with are from the key target groups of unemployed, educational under achievers, care leavers or ex-offenders. Approximately 40% of the young people that PTT work with have a disability.

Key success is in retention and successful completion of the programme with an average of (05/06figures) 98.3% Retention and 87.9 % completing the 12 week programme and achieving the Profile of Achievement. Evaluation of the PTT is also a key strength with an average of 70 % achieving positive outcomes employment, training or education.

3.6

Battery recycling

The Service is mindful that we are introducing over 20,000 batteries per year into the County with the smoke alarms supplied under the HFSV initiative. To address this balance, the CS department is working with partners to implement a scheme for members of the public to safely dispose of used batteries in special bins located outside Fire Stations. This will have the benefit of reducing landfill and assist environmental concerns as used batteries will either be recycled or safely disposed of. It will have the added advantage of increasing public access to fire stations and provide a good news "environmental" article for the service.

3.7

Third party HFSV delivery

A completed document has been prepared enabling Group and Station Managers to access all information in one place regarding the use of Volunteers/ 3^rd sector participants. This activity has started in East Hampshire and Hightown Fire Station was being established in this quarter.

3.8

Campaigns

The following campaigns were completed during this quarter Chinese New Year - January, Kitchen safety - February, Smoking Materials - March.

Media campaigns involving local press releases and radio interviews to raise safety awareness were undertaken. The HFRS web site was updated and carried the relevant safety messages.

Campaign review

Although monthly campaigns documents are well received at middle and senior management levels, a review was commenced to evaluate the use of campaign material at station level. This review will concentrate on the following:

· Information contained within the documents

· How campaign material is used at station level

· Possible improvement or discontinue use of the document

· Available support material

· What stations require

A Resource catalogue has been developed containing all CS equipment, leaflets and DVD's and has now been issued to all stations.

3.9

Water Safety

Research and evaluation into water safety projects to support IRMP requirements was started. Consultation with the RNLI and associated partners has been commenced and the RNLI are currently assessing the information contained within the booklet with the view to tabling the Water Safety Booklet at the National Water Safety forum. Use of RNLI branding was agreed and further support was offered and accepted. Enquiries are being made to apply for sponsorship of this initiative.

3.10

Thatch

Due to personal risk, financial losses and the cost to the Service in terms of resources from thatch fires, a partnership has been formed with the Ordinance Survey to assist HFRS in converting approximately 3000 grid references into postal addresses. This will enable the Service to send out current safety information to all thatch owners in Hampshire. To ensure this contact is most effective, the current Thatch leaflet was evaluated and an update is being prepared. Enquiries are being made to apply for sponsorship of this.

3.11

Oxygen Cylinders (O²) Database

Following a fatality involving a resident using Oxygen equipment at home and limited safety information available to homes that store O², an up to date database of O2 cylinder locations within Hampshire has been collated which will enable HFRS to target homes that contain O² with specific safety messages and campaign information. These addresses can also be targeted for HFSV as by nature of their use of O² ,they will be identified as a target group.

3.12

Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSV)

The re-focus of HFSV to target our resources at those most at risk was commenced during this quarter. The refocus will ensure that the Service resources are directed where they are most needed and provides a tiered layer of service. People are now directed to our Website for advice where they can apply for literature to be sent out, attend a presentation or if within the Target group, they will receive a HFSV.

RDS Rollout

Following the end of the Stage 1 rollout of the RDS undertaking HFSVs, an evaluation was undertaken. The report concluded that the second stage was to be suspended for 6 months allowing additional time for Stage 1 of the process to bed in and provide a more effective and efficient delivery of this service.

Partnership

HFRS gave a presentation regarding the HFSV - PCT Partnership that has been developed in Basingstoke at Alton Hospital. This was requested by the Local Health Authority for one of their assessments and assisted them in gaining Award Status. The Partnership is now being recommended to be entered into the final NHS awards to be held in London in the summer. Several magazines have carried articles regarding the partnership in professional journals within the Health and Fire Community.

Contact was made with the Fire Services National Benevolent Fund who will supply

1 400 retirement referral addresses who will be contacted for potential HFSV.

Contact has been made with the Stroke Rehabilitation Team at St Mary's hospital in Portsmouth.

Agency working

A Sign Posting Tool is being developed with Adult Services for operational crews to use when visiting vulnerable members of our communities. This will enable crews to assess the individuals physical condition, the condition of their home and their general well being. Once an assessment has been made and if concerns are raised, the correct organisation can be contacted on the individual's behalf. This tool will be used by all professionals who conduct their work in people's homes.

4

Protecting

4.1

Protection staff have recently begun the transition to mobile working facilities. The issue of new tablet PCs funded from the e-focus initiative has been completed which has given our staff a range of new freedoms in planning their working days which it is hoped will result in better productivity and improved standards of service delivery. For example, our staff can plan their fire safety audit workloads to be carried out using the tablet PCs without having to return to their office base after each job resulting in efficiency savings and greater outputs. Measures have been put in place to record how the new method of mobile working will impact on areas such as cost per audit and casual sickness absence.

Another major step forward resulting from the introduction of remote working is the quality of service provided to the business community. The results of fire safety audits can now be provided to the responsible person at the time of the inspection using mobile printing facilities that produce high quality documentation that satisfies all the Authorities legal responsibilities and clearly highlights issues that require resolution and options for the responsible person in achieving compliance.

4.2

Our legal action workload has increased dramatically since the introduction of the Fire Safety Order and the activity report from the Basingstoke and Deane area shows the successful prosecution recently secured by the Service. Our legal action work is now centralised through a dedicated team to ensure that we comply with all the necessary requirements for evidence gathering, witness interviews and case preparation. It is pleasing to note that the level of fines imposed by the Court on the defendant was proportional to the risks and breaches in legislation which shows a recognition by the Court of the serious nature of inadequate fire safety provision. Cases elsewhere in the Country also reflect this trend.

5

Group Activity

Preventing

Fire and Arson Support Unit:

Number of dwelling fires attended:

Number of properties visited:

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

2

87

0

Operational Crews:

Number of Home Fire Safety Visits:

Number of smoke detectors fitted:

452

1015

Protecting

Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order

Talks and seminars continue to be held to assist the business of awareness of the new Order at Festival Place on a monthly basis.

Enforcement

There have been 10 Enforcement Notices issued during this period.

Prosecution / Prohibitions

There has been one premises served with a Prohibition Order.

One premises was taken to court and prosecuted for not complying with an Enforcement Notice and other Fire safety Deficiencies. They were fined a total of £30,000.

Responding

11 February 2007: Pumps were made up to 5 and an aerial ladder platform was requested when fire broke out in the roof of a cottage in the village of Longparish. The building of traditional construction, 10 metres by 6 metres suffered severe fire damage to the roof and first floor with 1 jet, 3 hosereels, 6 BA and a hydraulic platform used to contain the incident. One male casualty was treated at the scene for burns to his hands.

5 April 2007: A fire in the roof of a thatched cottage at Ecchinswell Road, Ecchinswell attracted an initial attendance of 4 pumps that were made up to 6 plus several special appliances. The semi-detached building 28 metres by 4 metres suffered fire damage to 10% of the roof that was extinguished with 5 hosereels and 6 BA. The incident near the county border with Royal Berkshire saw crews from both counties working closely together to resolve the emergency.

Preventing

Fire and Arson Support Unit:

Number of dwelling fires attended:

Number of properties visited:

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

0

0

0

Operational Crews:

Number of Home Fire Safety Visits:

Number of smoke detectors fitted:

515

763

Protecting

Arson and Risk reduction

Since the last report, we have completed audits on all high risk category premises within the area and we are now working through medium risk areas concentrating on premises which constitute a sleeping risk.

Partnership work with local Authorities and agencies continues on a regular basis.

The two major public events scheduled for July 2007 are now licensed to proceed following meetings with Rushmoor Borough Council PESAG (Public Events Safety Advisory Group). This will ensure a safe event for all members of the public.

Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order

RRO familiarisation and post incident protocols lectures to Rushmoor and Hart area fire station personnel have now been completed. Referrals for post incident audits are now a regular feature.

Enforcement

The work completed by 3 Rushmoor officers is :

57 x Fire Safety Audits

1 x enforcement action

1 x prohibition notice

Responding

No significant activity.

Preventing

Fire and Arson Support Unit:

Number of dwelling fires attended:

Number of properties visited:

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

1

1

0

Operational Crews:

Number of Home Fire Safety Visits:

Number of smoke detectors fitted:

182

459

Protecting

No significant activity.

Responding

1 March 2007: An initial call to a domestic garage fire at Liphook Road, Whitehill, required pumps to made up to 3 and then to 6 when it was established that the garage contained a pleasure boat and acetylene cylinder. Neighbouring houses within a 200 metre radius were evacuated because of fears that the cylinder might be involved in fire. Crews were able to extinguish the fire involving the boat and trailer and garage using 10 BA, 1 jet, 1hosereel and foam making equipment. Fortunately they were able to confirm that the acetylene cylinder was not involved and residents were allowed to return to their homes.

6 March 2007: A block of 9 unoccupied industrial units near Woodlea Farm, Station Road at Medstead were reported to be `well alight' on arrival of the first crews from Alton. Pumps were quickly made up to six with numerous special appliances also attending. The fire had broken through the roof of 6 of the single storey units within the 100 by 40 metre development. Two jets and numerous BA were used to bring the fire under control and the cause was classed as doubtful.

25 March 2007: Crews were mobilised to a fire at the Anchor Public House at Lower Froyle which was under renovation at the time. Pumps were made up to 4 with an ALP and water carrier also being requested. The traditionally constructed 22 by 17 metre, one and two storey building suffered 50% damage to the ground, first floor and roof. The incident was brought under control using 3 jets, 3 hosereels and 24 BA and the cause is being investigated.

Preventing

Fire and Arson Support Unit:

Number of dwelling fires attended:

Number of properties visited:

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

1

30

0

Operational Crews:

Number of Home Fire Safety Visits:

Number of smoke detectors fitted:

424

897

Protecting

Risk Reduction

A themed approach is continuing within Industrial Estates throughout the area covered by this office.

Sprinklers

· The redevelopment of Fareham Shopping Centre will incorporate sprinklers as part of their life safety strategy scheme

· Following consultations with the Ministry of Defence and Crown Premises, there is now a proposal to install sprinklers throughout Fort Monkton.

· The use of sprinklers to compensate for extended travel distances is being explored at the listed premises of  West Hill School.

Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order

· Portsmouth, Havant, Fareham and Gosport Business communities are invited to Fire Safety Seminars at Southsea on a monthly bases. Fareham Officers assist with these presentations.

· BME initiatives to reduce risk through education - Fareham office Inspectors have hosted members of the Chinese communities.

Enforcement

Fire Safety Order 2005 Article 31 Notices/ Enforcements

13 x Enforcement notices.

Responding

15 April 2007: Five pumping appliances and a water carrier were required to deal with a barn fire at Fire Tree Lane, Horton Heath. The 25 by 10 metre barn and contents including plant, a tractor and a diesel tank were severely damaged by fire. Three jets and 2 hosereels were used to contain the incident and pumps remained overnight to render the scene safe. Police and Fire Officers carried out an investigation into the cause which was classed as doubtful. An hour after this fire commenced a further fire involving a barn occurred approximately 3 miles away and the cause of this incident was classed as deliberate ignition.

26 April 2007: A terrace consisting of three properties in Rambler Drive at Rowner, Gosport was well alight on arrival of the first crews. Pumps were made up to 6 with an aerial appliance. The roof spaces of the three properties suffered severe fire damage which was brought under control using 3 hosereels and 6 BA. There was a partial collapse of one of the houses and a structural assessment was required on the others.

Preventing

Fire and Arson Support Unit:

Number of dwelling fires attended:

Number of properties visited:

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

6

303

0

Operational Crews:

Number of Home Fire Safety Visits:

Number of smoke detectors fitted:

964

2737

Protecting

Arson and Risk reduction

· The Portsmouth office is focusing risk reduction on licensed premises with sleeping accommodation attached. Officers have identified that many public houses are provided with managers sleeping accommodation either on floors above ground floor or attached to the premises and is provided as part of the employment package. This accommodation has often not been included in the risk assessment process and also often not been inspected by any Enforcement Authority. These premises are deemed as a high risk.

· Copnor Office has started inter-departmental working with the Arson Reduction Team within Portsmouth. Fire Safety Officers have carried out joint inspections with Environmental Offices from Portsmouth City Council, Fire Service Personnel from the Portsmouth Arson Reduction team, Inspectors from Housing Options Portsmouth City Council and when notified by the City Wardens.

· Copnor Office has started an inter-departmental educational program at Station level. All Watches at Stations within the Portsmouth Response Group will receive a specifically designed presentation to raise awareness of Technical Fire safety issues.

Sprinklers

· Queen Alexandra Hospital has major works ongoing and certain areas will have fire engineered solutions that incorporate smoke control and water sprinkler protection.

· Pre-consultation covering the redevelopment of the previously known Tricorn Centre with sprinklers to be installed in 2 new major stores. Building works are expected to commence in August 2008.

· Alterations to the Cascades - extension to existing sprinkler system to cover new shops and compensation for excess travel distances.

· Sprinklers are being installed in 4 1 bed flats and 4 1 bed houses as compensation for inadequate access under the building regulations.

Black and Minority Ethnic Business Communities

The diverse business community within the boundary of East Group Protection are being targeted to improve lines of communication, decrease enforcement through education and promote fire safety advocates in the specific business community. Influential business contacts are also interested in reducing risk in their home environments.

· The integrated working and exchange of information between Protection, Prevention and Response Group Manager Portsmouth is expanding directly into risk reduction activities across a whole spectrum of integrated working.

· Senior and influential members from the BME business community have shadowed Fire Safety Inspectors on normal working days. This project has improved the understanding of how fire safety law works, how HFRS enforce and how effective Fire Safety Officers are at communication.

· Representatives of Bangladeshi businesses attended purposely designed presentations at Southsea Fire Station. The presentation covered legal and business responsibilities as defined under the Fire Safety Order.

· From the interaction with BME business communities it is noted Copnor Office receives an ever growing number of phone calls for TFS advice weekly. Twelve months ago we received no phone calls.

Integrated Working

· Copnor Officers have been interacting with Portsmouth Response Group and Station Managers in relation to risk reduction through joint information sharing in the following areas:

o BME activities

o Post incident protocols

o Joint risk reduction activities

o Joint arson reduction activities

· In January, Copnor Officers participated in the first Best Bar None Scheme in Hampshire. The scheme assessed and identified best practices in Licensed premises. This was promoted by Portsmouth City Council Licensing Department.

· Copnor Office have carried out joint inspections of Licensed premises with the Police and Licensing Offices from Portsmouth City Council.

· Copnor Officers have carried out joint inspections with Housing Officers from Portsmouth City Council and Havant Borough Council.

Enforcement

Fire Safety Order 2005 Article 31 Notices/ Enforcements

18 x Enforcements notices.

6 x Article 27 Notices

Responding

No significant activity.

Preventing

Fire and Arson Support Unit:

Number of dwelling fires attended:

Number of properties visited:

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

2

70

0

Operational Crews:

Number of Home Fire Safety Visits:

Number of smoke detectors fitted:

248

534

Protecting

Arson and Risk reduction

Since the Christmas period, Inspectors have been focusing on high risk sleeping accommodation. Small Bed and Breakfasts and guest houses have been targeted. We have also been addressing the high risk of storing or using acetylene cylinders in commercial premises. Our work has resulted in a leaflet being produced giving advice on how to manage the risk.

During the month of March, all Inspectors from the north of Hampshire came together at Winchester and targeted the High Street. Our aim was to inspect all shops and in particular, look at accommodation above or at the back of premises. It was a very successful week with over 80 Audits being completed. Awareness of Fire Safety Standards throughout the retail community in Winchester was raised.

Enforcement

4 x Enforcements Notices.

1 x Prohibition Notice

Responding

No significant activity.

Preventing

Fire and Arson Support Unit:

Number of dwelling fires attended:

Number of properties visited:

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

0

0

0

Operational Crews:

Number of Home Fire Safety Visits:

Number of smoke detectors fitted:

496

962

Protecting

Arson and Risk reduction

The Test Valley office is focusing the risk reduction on small sleeping risk premises ie. Bed and Breakfast premises as well as licensed premises with sleeping accommodation attached. It was identified that many public houses have sleeping accommodation either on floors above ground floor or attached to the premises without the Authorities knowledge. These premises are deemed as a high risk as no Risk Evaluation of fire safety systems has been done previously.

Explosive Stores - Two Inspectors have completed the joint inspections with Hampshire Trading Standards of the explosive stores.

National Trust - Members of this team have provided national training for the National Trust as part of our formal partnership arrangement.

Southampton International Airport - Ongoing liaison with BAA regarding expansion and development projects at Southampton International Airport. The air-side element of the departures lounge is nearly completed; now advising on the land-side layout and the provision for concessions and kiosks, on the escape facilities within the expanding baggage handling area and on the proposed aprons on the south of the runway.

Swan Centre - Consultation on the expansion of the Swan Centre is ongoing.

Safety Advisory Group (SAG) Sports grounds - Involvement with the SAG for St Mary's Football Stadium and the Rose Bowl, developing the emergency access route from the M27.

SAG Eastleigh - Involvement with Eastleigh Borough Council SAG.

Sprinklers

· Major developments - two large warehouses are ongoing and awaiting Architects responses. These will require sprinkler provision or engineered solution for high bay storage.

Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order

· Test Valley Business Community invited to Fire Safety seminars at Basingstoke on a monthly basis.

· Ongoing meetings with Test Valley Housing to ensure conformity of legislation between Fire and Rescue Authority and the housing department with regards to HMO's.

· A team member assists the HCC Liaison Officer for all West Group HCC Fire Safety Audits.

· Completed 74 Fire Safety Audits.

· Completed the Fire Risk assessments for 4 WDS and 4 RDS Fire Stations

Enforcement

Fire Safety Order 2005 Article 31 Notices/Enforcements

9 x Enforcement Notices

2 x Prohibition Notices

Responding

No significant activity.

Preventing

Fire and Arson Support Unit:

Number of dwelling fires attended:

Number of properties visited:

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

4

53

10

Operational Crews:

Number of Home Fire Safety Visits:

Number of smoke detectors fitted:

1082

1762

Protecting

Arson and Risk Reduction

Licensing - Inspectors now sit on the Southampton Consultative Group Meetings.

House of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs) Sprinklers - Team members are leading the HMO sprinkler project targeting key areas involved with the HMO community.

Mobile Working - Team members have been involved in the initial pilot of the mobile working project, the first in the country.

Black and Ethnic Minorities - Targeting Restaurants in the Bengali and Chinese communities by producing a short guide to making a premises safe from fire in the native language and Sprinkler demonstrations for the HMOs in the Sikh communities.

University of Southampton - Close liaison in the development of the new Murray Building.

HMOs - Developing the working partnership with Environmental Health for immediate consultation of registered HMOs. Verifying actual risk by surveying HMOs in the Southampton area and producing report.

Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order

Targeted the Millbrook Industrial Estate for Educating the responsible persons of the recent change in legislation, collecting premises details for future Fire Safety Audits and data verification.

Enforcement

6 x Enforcement Notices

Prosecution

There is currently one case under investigation .

Responding

24 March 2007: An initial attendance of 4 pumping appliances was made up to 6 pumps for a fire involving the roof of a thatched cottage in Frogmore Lane at Nursling. Numerous special appliances including an aerial ladder platform were requested. Two firebreaks were successfully made to the thatch of the two storey 15 by 10 metre cottage. The stop message was sent in under an hour and a half indicating that 2 hosereels, 2 BA and the aerial ladder platform were used during firefighting operations.

Preventing

Fire and Arson Support Unit:

Number of dwelling fires attended:

Number of properties visited:

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

1

20

0

Operational Crews:

Number of Home Fire Safety Visits:

Number of smoke detectors fitted:

41

98

Protecting

Arson and Risk Reduction

HMOs - Joint meetings with NFDC Housing promoting the use of domestic/residential sprinklers in HMOs.

Rural Safety Officer - Developing the relationship working practices with the Rural Safety Officer.

Licensing SAG - Attend NFDC SAG in preparation for forthcoming events including the New Forest Show.

Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order

Completed 58 Fire Safety Audits.

Completed an additional 6 Fire Safety Audits in liaison with NFDC Sheltered Housing.

Enforcement

3 x Enforcements

Prosecution

There are currently 2 cases under investigation.

Responding

16 March 2007: Six pumps were required to deal with a fire in the thatched roof of a property in the village of Rockbourne, north west of Fordingbridge. Pumps were made up to 6 for additional personnel and the fire was quickly brought under control. The stop message indicated that 50% of the thatched roof was involved and 2 jets, 2 hosereels and 6 BA were used to extinguish the fire and the roof was sheeted down and salvage work carried out.

21 April 2007: Numerous emergency calls were received to a caravan fire at Hightown Road, Ringwood. On arrival of the first crews the fire had spread and pumps were made up to four with a Special Equipment Unit also mobilised. The stop message indicated that the caravan, a 4x4 vehicle, and a camper van suffered 100% damage by fire which spread to a shed and two dwellings causing external damage. The incident was brought under control using 3 jets, 2 hosereeels and 8 BA. Four residents were given first aid by Ambulance crews and following the incident 4 children were referred to the Fire Setters team.

Preventing

Fire and Arson Support Unit:

Number of dwelling fires attended:

Number of properties visited:

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

1

1

0

Operational Crews:

Number of Home Fire Safety Visits:

Number of smoke detectors fitted:

109

210

Protecting

Please see New Forest North above.

Responding

11 February 2007: A fire at Hardley Secondary School, Long Lane, Hardley received an initial attendance of two pumps. These were quickly made up to 4 and then 6 pumps with an Aerial appliance also requested. Crews were confronted with a severe fire in a ground floor classroom involving the woodwork and metalwork departments. There were initial concerns that cylinders were also involved. A successful stop was quickly achieved in the traditionally constructed building of one, two and four storeys 70 metres by 60 metres. The 39 metre by 9 metre classroom suffered severe fire damage that was brought under control using 8 BA, 1 jet and 3 hosereels, the cause was classed as doubtful.

5 April 2007: Fire Control received a call to a hazmat incident at Polimeri Europa UK Ltd and the initial attendance was increased to 6 pumps when it was indicated there was a major leak of flammable gasses. The leak within a 30metre by 10 metre building was isolated by crews wearing BA and the incident was quickly brought under control.

2 May

New Forest North Group

Six pumps, 5 landrovers, 2 water carriers and several support vehicles were required to deal with a large fire in woodland on the Somerley Estate near Ringwood. The incident near the county border with Dorset attracted resources from both Hampshire and Dorset assisted by Forestry Commission personnel. Numerous jets, hosereels and beaters were used during protracted firefighting operations. Unfortunately approximately one acre of a plantation was lost during the fire.

11 May

Southampton Group

Thirty emergency calls were received in Fire Control to a fire in a boatyard at Vespasian Road in Southampton. Pumps were quickly made up to 5 and then 10 with a request for an aerial ladder platform. Members of the public living nearby were evacuated at the height of the fire which involved a boat shed 50 metres that suffered 50% damage by fire. Five boats were severely damaged by fire and two suffered slight damage. Five jets, two monitors, the ALP and 28 BA were used during the incident. Police and Fire Officers are continuing to investigate the cause.

19 May

Test Valley and Eastleigh Group

Three pumps were initially mobilised to reports of a fire at Kings Somborne Primary School, Romsey Road, Kings Somborne. The first crew in attendance from Stockbridge made pumps up to four, eight and then to ten. The single storey building, 40 metres by 40 metres of brick construction with a slate roof suffered severe fire damage to the roof and the remainder of the building was damaged by smoke and water. 4 jets, 4 hosereels and 28 BA were used during the extensive firefighting operation.

22/23 May

Portsmouth Group

More than 40 emergency calls were received in Fire Control to a fire in the derelict Air Balloon Public House in Kingston Crescent, Portsmouth. Pumps were initially made up to 4, 6 and then 7 with an aerial appliance also requested after reports indicated that persons were reported within the building. The structure consisting of three floors 26 metres by 20 metres of traditional construction suffered severe fire damage to the ground and first floors. 3 jets, 2 hosereels and 36 BA were used during firefighting operations. Unfortunately, an acetylene cylinder was later located at the scene and an exclusion zone had to be set up around the building and the cylinder cooled in situ and this extended the duration of the fire considerably.