News

Date
17 May 2013 Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service welcomes Sir Ken Knight’s efficiencies report

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service has “already delivered” many of the suggestions outlined in Sir Ken Knight’s report on cutting expenditure in national fire and rescue services, it was revealed today.

Fire deaths and injuries and the number of accidental house fires in the county are down while fire engines and firefighter numbers have also fallen in proportion.

The fire service in Shropshire costs only £43 per head of population compared to almost £60 for the most costly fire services.

10 May 2013 Tough choices for fire and rescue service

The fire and rescue service in Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin is “planning for the worst” after a further £1.6m cost cutting demand from central Government as part of its austerity programme.

Fire station closures, firefighter redundancies and a possible merger with a neighbouring brigade are being considered among a 50 strong list of options to be explored over the next 12 months.
07 May 2013 Shropshire’s anti pollution push

The ability to tackle pollution incidents in the county has been boosted with a joint initiative between Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Environment Agency.

Four of the brigade’s existing four wheel drive vehicles are being kitted out by the Environment Agency with better equipment for firefighters to deal with fuel and chemical spills to prevent potential environmental disasters.

Also a new Toyota Hilux – dubbed an Environmental Protection Unit – has been jointly provided by the Environment Agency and the county brigade.
29 April 2013 Bonfire advice

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service have been called out to several calls recently where bonfires have got out of control.

The following advice should be taken when lighting, using and extinguishing a bonfire.

  • Before you light the bonfire, check that children and animals are not hiding inside and are a safe distance away.
  • Don't leave bonfires unattended. An adult should have the time to supervise it until all material is consumed.
  • If the bonfire has to be left it should be dampened down with water.
26 April 2013 New Chief Fire Officer

The new Chief Fire Officer of Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service has been appointed by Shropshire and Wrekin Fire and Rescue Authority.

John Redmond, the current Deputy Chief Fire Officer will take over in July from the present Chief Fire Officer Paul Raymond, who is retiring.

Originally from Wallasey on Merseyside, John gained a degree in geography at the University of Hull in 1982.

He joined London Fire Brigade in 1983 and spent 12 years in the capital in a variety of roles before moving to Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service in 1995.
26 April 2013 Fire safety quiz

Schoolchildren were bowled over in the county fire safety quiz run by Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service.

A total of 32 youngsters from eight county schools won a meal and bowling sessions courtesy of the management at the Ten Pin bowling alley in Telford.

In teams of four, the 11 and 12-year-olds had won competitions at their individual schools after quick fire questions on all aspects of safety.

The annual quiz is organised by the brigade’s community fire safety department to encourage year 7 pupils to learn about fire safety and other important information on how to stay safe.
23 April 2013 Obituary: Jack Tomkins, retired Station Officer (Telford Central)

It with sadness that we notify you of the recent death of Jack Tomkins, who retired from the Service approximately 25 years ago.

Jack’s funeral will be held at Shrewsbury Crematorium, London Road, Shrewsbury on Wednesday 24th April at 10:15am.
22 April 2013 Light aircraft incident demonstrates emergency service interoperability

At 5:08pm on Saturday evening Shropshire Fire and Rescue Services control room received a call from Sleap Airfield near Wem reporting a light aircraft experiencing difficulty with its landing gear.

Fire Control immediately dispatched 1 fire engine from Wem, 1 fire engine from Shrewsbury, a foam unit from Tweedale, a four wheel drive from Minsterley and 3 officers.

Station Manager Adam Matthews, Incident Commander at the incident, said “First attending crews gathered information whilst awaiting the attendance of all specialist appliances.
22 April 2013 From firefighter to Chief Fire Officer….it’s all possible

From firefighter to Chief Fire Officer – anything is possible for the latest recruits at Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Ten trainees have just completed a rigorous induction at the brigade’s training school in Telford to prepare them for a future of fighting fires, rescuing victims after a car crash, or whatever comes their way in their new careers.

They may even follow in the footsteps of Shropshire’s Chief Fire Officer Paul Raymond who rose through the ranks after starting his career as an On-call firefighter.
17 April 2013 Suspicious gorse fires near Church Stretton

At 5.05pm Tuesday 16th April 2013 Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to a gorse fire covering 2.5 hectares at Novers Hill, Cwmdale, Church Stretton.

Fire crews from Church Stretton, Craven Arms, Shrewsbury, Tweedale, Telford and Much Wenlock were called to the scene, and the fire was brought under control at 6.25pm. It is in the same area of a similar gorse fire SFRS were called out to at 5.46pm on Wednesday 13th March 2013.

On both occasions there were several seats of fire and we believe they were started deliberately.