UK Rescue Team arrives in Japan
A team of 60 specialist search and rescue workers from the UK have now arrived in Japan under the leadership of Hertfordshire Chief Fire Officer, Roy Wilsher.
The UK group have joined the US military in Ofunato where hundreds of people are still missing. Mr Wilsher said: “You can actually see the emotion on the faces of the people as we go by, they are so thankful to see us and we’re thankful to be here to help them.”
The UK team consists of members of Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Kent, Hampshire, Lancashire, West Midlands, Lincolnshire, West Sussex and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Services.
Hostel owner fined after man dies in fire
A Blackburn hostel owner has been ordered to pay £3000 in fines after pleading guilty to breaching fire safety regulations.
Mr Sajed Hussain owns the Devonshire Hostel in Blackburn, Lancashire where a fire broke out in 2008 killing one person.
Prosecutor Joe Hart said: “It is impossible to say, if the evacuation had been speedier, whether Mr Barker would have survived. Accordingly, the Crown cannot say there is a causal link between the failure admitted and his death.”
The Devonshire Hostel has now been fitted with an adequate fire detection and alarm system.
UK firefighters heading to Japan
Firefighters from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service are about to set off for Japan to assist with the rescue effort in the wake of Fridays devastating earthquake and tsunami.
The team will fly out from Manchester Airport with around 70 others from the UK and will join search and rescue teams from 45 other countries including teams from the US, New Zealand, Australia and South Korea.
Response manager Neil Fritzsche said “It is a pretty daunting prospect – to go out there and see what assistance we can give to the people of Japan – but whatever we face, we will deal with and hopefully provide some help. Everybody knows what they are doing as far as search and rescue is concerned, but as for specific roles in Japan, we will wait until we join up with the UN command structure to find out what our tasks will be.”
Fire Warden Training – Leicester
Excellent training in some ways more vital for fire safety, out of work in everyday life, invaluable information – Thank you – Laura Powell
It makes it clear to understand what the role of a fire warden is all about and to know what to do incase a fire breaks out, best bit of fire training I have had, enjoyed learning about something new – Shardane Burke
Great to get hands on experience of fire extinguishers, previously a bit nervous of how to use them – Ian Jefferis
Very interesting, all staff should be taught this! – Sheryl Wright
Very clear and relevant, changing the mind set to make you aware of surroundings, clothing, fire extinguishers etc… – Stephen Williams
Very clear and plenty of chance to ask any questions, made me aware how important the fire warden role is – Sue Clayton
Helped understand the importance of being a fire warden in the workplace and know which extinguishers are used for relevant fires – Robert Lever-Jones
Easy to understand & information was clear & concise, footage shown helped me to understand the importance of fire safety – Siobhan Walker
Very informative, it was good for the workplace and also have small daughters so good for home – Suzanne Baker
Good clear presentation backed up with practical “on the job” instruction – Lorraine Elkington
Realisation of the effects a fire can have on a business or at home or in general, it makes it clear as to my role as a fire warden – Nick Fairbrother
Good to get hands on with fire extinguishers – Daniel Norman
Well presented Gerry explained content well, very enjoyable well presented and very informative – Cheryl Louise Beaumont
Eye opening and will be more aware of any hazards in the workplace and at home – Neha Dave
Gerry bought home the risks not only at work but at home aswell, made us aware of how to deal with incidents in the studio and also what we can do there – Ivan Merrell
Very informative, great to get hands on experience. Lots to think about – Laura Henderson
Course was well presented and full of useful information – Joanne Underwood
Very engaging, good clear direction on what you as a fire warden should do and how to prevent fires – Terry Skeels
Very positive, I learnt new ways to deal with situations – Clare Thompson
The training was very easy to understand and was a good extra to my position at Next – Dawn Green
Leant alot about how to avoid and assess fire risks both for work and at home, very good on both work and personal level with safety tips for both – Julia Marinho
Very well explained throughout, outside expert was good – Mary Toal
Excellent course well presented by the instructor, excellent training practical element was very good – Clive Paske
Trainer was funny made it more enjoyable – Nina Dhillon
Really enjoyed especially the practical as I learnt something new – Elizabeth Stiles
I found the course very interesting and informative – Clare Bray
40 prisoners evacuated in prison fire
A Wiltshire Prison put its emergency fire evacuation procedure into action yesterday when a fire broke out at around 9.15am.
Three fire appliances attended the incident which broke out in a two-storey cell block at the prison in Erlestoke.
Forty prisoners were evacuated from the building and three fire engines attended the incident.
A spokesperson at the local fire brigade, confirmed that the fire service had carried out fire drills at the prison earlier this year to ensure they would be fully prepared for such an incident.
It is not thought that the fire was started deliberately, and no casualties have been reported.