Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service - News

Shropshire fire aid to Romania

Thu, 23 May 2013 10:30:36 +0000

A car wash will be held in Newport on May 25 to raise funds to transport much needed fire engines to Romania.

Staff from Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service are holding the Saturday fund raising event at Newport Fire Station from 10am to 3pm.

“We need as many people as possible to come and have their car washed on the day and to contribute what they can towards the charity trip,” said Newport firefighter Charlie Cartwright.Read more

Walkers urged to be vigilant after a spate of fires at a top Shropshire beauty spot

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:25:50 +0000

The National Trust is calling on walkers to be extra vigilant when exploring the Long Mynd after a spate of suspicious fires at the beauty spot.

Three fires last month caused damage to 12.35 acres (5 hectares) of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). At one point nine fire engines attended and domestic homes were at risk from the blaze.

With summer months approaching, the team based at Carding Mill Valley are urging everyone who visits to be extra vigilant and to report any suspicious behaviour. Read more

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service welcomes Sir Ken Knight’s efficiencies report

Fri, 17 May 2013 11:17:27 +0000

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. Read more

Tough choices for fire and rescue service

Fri, 10 May 2013 09:47:19 +0000

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.Read more

Shropshire’s anti pollution push

Tue, 07 May 2013 09:28:12 +0000

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.Read more

Bonfire advice

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 14:46:35 +0000

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.Read more

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.

New Chief Fire Officer

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 09:03:36 +0000

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.Read more

Fire safety quiz

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 09:36:53 +0000

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.Read more

Obituary: Jack Tomkins, retired Station Officer (Telford Central)

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:22:57 +0000

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 24^th April at 10:15am.

Light aircraft incident demonstrates emergency service interoperability

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 08:49:10 +0000

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.Read more