RAGS TO RICHES FOR FIREFIGHTERS CHARITY

Shropshire firefighters are turning rags to riches for the Fire Fighters’ Charity after the successful launch of 13 recycling centres at county fire stations.

For the past six months, the Fire and Rescue Service has been working with the charity to collect textile donations.

Clothes banks at local fire stations have so far raised more than £2,500 for the charity.

Service Co-ordinator Ashley Brown said: " So far the scheme has been a great success with donations steadily increasing.

Submitted by Elaine Adams on Wed, 19/11/2014 - 15:00

AWARDS TO TOP NEW FIREFIGHTER RECRUITS

A total of 25 new firefighter recruits completed their intensive initial training courses at Telford’s firefighter training centre and had “key” qualities including the ability to keep going “when it gets tough” and the physical courage to complete the demands put upon them, said Chief Fire Officer John Redmond, at their "passing out" ceremony held in Shrewsbury.

Submitted by Elaine Adams on Wed, 19/11/2014 - 14:27

NEW RECRUITS JOIN A SUCCESSFUL SHROPSHIRE FIRE SERVICE

Firefighters who put out fires and carry out car crash rescues in Shropshire have successfully cut the number of emergencies they attend by more than a third in almost a decade, said the county’s Chief Fire Officer.

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service had been “very successful” in its main role to prevent emergency incidents happening through successful public education campaigns working with the help of other organisations, John Redmond told the latest firefighter recruits at their “passing out” ceremony at the Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury tonight. (Monday, November 17th)

Submitted by Elaine Adams on Mon, 17/11/2014 - 22:46

CHIMNEY FIRES WARNING

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service has issued an appeal for people to have their chimneys swept as they launch an annual chimney fire safety campaign.

There have been 39 chimney fires dealt with by Shropshire firefighters in homes across the county and one over the border in Staffordshire since April this year – most of them avoidable, say Community Fire Safety officers.

Many home owners traditionally turn to open fires, Rayburns and wood burners to stay warm during winter’s plunging temperatures.

Submitted by Elaine Adams on Tue, 11/11/2014 - 15:50

DEPUTY CHIEF FIRE OFFICER

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

Rod Hammerton, the former Assistant Chief Fire Officer for South Wales, steps up to replace John Redmond, who took over as Chief Fire Officer at Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service in the Summer.

Submitted by Elaine Adams on Mon, 03/11/2014 - 11:59

BE EXTRA VIGILANT DURING STRIKE

People are being urged to be extra vigilant during the firefighters’ four day strike in Shropshire which starts at 6pm on Friday.(October 31)

The Fire Brigade Union (FBU) is involved in a protracted dispute over plans to make firefighters’ work until they are 60 instead of 55, pay more into their pensions and get less in retirement.

Telford and Shrewsbury will be affected as members of the FBU are called to take strike action from Friday evening until Tuesday at 6pm with a scheduled return to work in time for bonfire night.

Submitted by Elaine Adams on Wed, 29/10/2014 - 15:01

TICK TOCK TEST

When you change your clocks back an hour on Sunday(October 26) don’t forget to test your smoke alarm at the same time.

The risk of dying from smoke inhalation in a house fire increases four fold without a working smoke alarm, revealed Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, with older people particularly at risk, they warn.

Their fire prevention team is urging householders to link the twice yearly time change with a smoke alarm test.

Submitted by Elaine Adams on Wed, 22/10/2014 - 11:48

FIREFIGHTER RESCUE TO FEATURE ON BBC CLOSE CALLS: ON CAMERA

The dramatic rescue of a Shropshire farmer impaled by a metal tractor fork in a bizarre accident will feature on the new series of the popular BBC Close Calls: On Camera next week.

Series presenter Nick Knowles will recall the split second moments when north Shropshire farmer Graham Heatley (52) impaled himself onto a 45 centimetre long tractor fork when he was moving a hay bale in February this year.

Submitted by Elaine Adams on Mon, 20/10/2014 - 11:04

TELFORD FIRE STATION OPEN DAY

Telford Fire Station held a successful open day with eye catching demonstrations including a chip pan fire as firefighters and community fire safety officers showcased their skills to display the wide variety of work they do.

Adults and children visited the innovative “smoke house” used to educate people of all ages about fire safety and show them how to escape from a potentially life threatening house fire.

Submitted by Elaine Adams on Fri, 17/10/2014 - 11:46

Shrewsbury Fire Station Open Day

Shrewsbury Fire Station held a successful open day with eye catching demonstrations including a chip pan fire as firefighters and community fire safety officers showcased their skills to display the wide variety of work they do.

A total of 38 adults and children visited the innovative “smoke house” used to educate people of all ages about fire safety and show them how to escape from a potentially life threatening house fire.

Submitted by Elaine Adams on Mon, 06/10/2014 - 10:14

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