Police welcome prison sentence on Shrewsbury arsonist

Police who investigated a spate of fires on a Shrewsbury housing estate, today welcomed the prison sentence given to a 19-year-old arsonist.

Matthew Robin Gill was jailed for four years at Stafford Crown Court after admitting arson with intent to endanger life at a home in Reedham Road, Herongate on December 1 last year.

He further admitted giving a false alarm of a fire to Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service on October 21, receiving a three month sentence to run concurrently Gill was also given a further three months, running concurrently, for breaching a community order.

Submitted by web-services-officer on Mon, 04/07/2011 - 10:47

Police investigate Shrewsbury hedge fires

Police in Shrewsbury are investigating three hedge fires they believe were deliberately started in a residential part of the town early today.

They were notified by Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service who dealt with fires in Woodfield Avenue, Kenwood Gardens and Shelton Road at 2.12am, 2.17am and 2.36am.

House to house inquiries have been carried out at these locations in the Copthorne area and police are anxious to hear from anyone who saw suspicious activity which might be linked to the incidents.

Submitted by web-services-officer on Thu, 16/06/2011 - 15:08

Shropshire Young Carers learn all about fire safety

Shropshire children who look after members of their family learned all about fire safety and first aid at an event organised by the British Red Cross with the help of Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service.

A total of 31 youngsters aged from seven to 16, who are members of the Shropshire Young Carers Service, witnessed a chip pan fire controlled by firefighters and learned about the importance of every home having smoke alarms and testing them regularly.

Submitted by web-services-officer on Wed, 15/06/2011 - 11:38

Biker Skills and Safety Day in Shrewsbury

Thousands of people are expected to attend one of the first large-scale motorbike and fun days in Shropshire, where some of the country’s best stunt bikers are set to wow the crowds.

The Rider Skills and Family Fun Day, which will be held at the Greenhouse Meadow Stadium in Shrewsbury between 10am and 4pm on Sunday 26th June, has been organised by the Shropshire Motorcycle Road Safety Group, made up representatives from the police, Shropshire Council, Safer Roads Partnership and the fire service.

Submitted by web-services-officer on Wed, 15/06/2011 - 10:45

Shropshire firefighters back on BBC Real Rescues

Shropshire firefighters will be back on national TV next week when two more of their fire and rescue actions are re-told on the popular BBC Real Rescues programme.

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service is pictured on the montage of images at the start of the high action TV show which features dramatic film footage and interviews of events attended by emergency services.

Submitted by web-services-officer on Mon, 13/06/2011 - 12:41

Child Safety Week

Teach children about fire safety – that is the vital message from Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Children and young people need to know exactly what to do if fire breaks out in their home, said Community Fire Safety officer Charlie Cartwright.

They must also know how to take sensible precautions to prevent a blaze, he said.

“There’s nothing more important than the safety of a child in the home. Get into the habit of taking a quick glance around the room for hazards to make safety an automatic reflex and for peace of mind.

Submitted by web-services-officer on Fri, 03/06/2011 - 14:29

Shropshire firefighters finalists in national Dogs Trust Awards

Shropshire firefighters who worked tirelessly to free a dog trapped down a rabbit hole were named as finalists in the national Dogs Trust Honours 2011.

Using shovels and listening equipment designed to rescue people trapped in collapsed buildings, firefighters eventually got Cookie out in a rescue which took three hours.

Now in its fourth year, Dogs Trust Honours is the awards ceremony that celebrates the relationship between man and dog.

Submitted by web-services-officer on Fri, 03/06/2011 - 12:38

Crucial help for Crucial Crew

Thousands of schoolchildren in Telford & Wrekin have learned essential safety messages – and enjoyed lots of fun – at the annual Crucial Crew events, say organisers.

The event, sponsored by E.ON, has attracted 25,000 11-year-olds who have learned all about fire and electricity safety, road safety, stranger danger and first aid over the past 18 years.

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, which now organises the event, praised E.ON for its long term support and for providing the “superb” venue at Buildwas social club where the 2011 event has just been held.

Submitted by web-services-officer on Fri, 03/06/2011 - 11:47

Drink drive warning

The Safer Roads Partnership and West Mercia Police are today warning people of the dangers of driving under the influence of drink or drugs during this summer.

With the summer months and warmer weather approaching drink and drug drive offences typically increase and to combat this, enforcement of these offences over the summer will be a key priority for West Mercia Police. Roadside checks will be carried out at all times of the day and night and on all types of road and drivers will be automatically tested if a collision occurs.

Submitted by web-services-officer on Fri, 03/06/2011 - 10:33

Exercise Avonmouth

A major exercise to test emergency resilience saw representatives from 16 fire and rescue services visiting Avon this weekend.

More than 120 firefighters from as far afield as Northern Ireland and Merseyside joined colleagues from Avon Fire & Rescue Service in three large scale exercises. In scenarios taking place at Avonmouth Docks and Chew Valley Lake crews put 13 High Volume Pumps (HVPs) through their paces.

Submitted by web-services-officer on Wed, 01/06/2011 - 11:00

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