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.

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.

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.

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.

A unique service giving practical and emotional help to people suffering from the trauma of a house fire, flood or other serious emergency has made a "huge difference" to people's lives since it was launched in Shropshire.

The Red Cross fire and emergency support (FES) service has been called to more than 50 incidents helping scores of people at all times of day and night since it was set up a year ago with the support of Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service.