Chief Fire Officer Paul Raymond talks to BBC Radio Shropshire about the average 3 pence per week council tax precept increase and the pressures that Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service are experiencing due to further cuts.

Sir Ken Knight visited Shropshire today to carry out a spending review at Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service which has already slashed £4.5 million from its £20 million annual budget.

Chief Fire Officer Paul Raymond told the newly retired Government Chief Fire & Rescue Advisor during his visit today (February 12) that it was “almost impossible” to make another £1 million in demanded cuts without an “increased risk” to the people of Shropshire.

County firms can learn from the Brazil nightclub blaze, say Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Shropshire business owners should not be complacent about the risk of fires after the death of 233 people in a blaze at the nightclub in South America’s largest capital city.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer John Redmond has warned the owners of clubs, pubs and restaurants in Shropshire about the risk.

Chimney fires are on the increase in Shropshire as householders continue to ignore warnings to get their chimney swept.

As temperatures plunge, more home owners turn to open fires and wood burners to stay warm - leading to 28 fires in the first 28 days of January. There were 14 recorded chimney fires in January 2012 - half of this year's incidents.

Firefighters from across the county have been turning out to deal with incidents involving log burners, Rayburns and open fires.

The Safer Roads Partnership in Warwickshire and West Mercia is reminding motorists to continue to take extra care on the roads over the next few days as temperatures stay low and many roads remain icy and slippery. The Met Office has issued a yellow ‘be aware’ warning of ice for Tuesday (22nd January). As temperatures fall below freezing overnight, icy stretches are likely on untreated surfaces – especially in areas where any further sleet, snow or rain has fallen.