UK fire stations to be re-built
Chorley fire station is to be rebuilt as part of Government plans costing £48m.
Another 12 fire stations across the UK are also set to be improved as part of the fire service’s largest ever PPP project.
Builders are expected to start on the new development, off Southport Road, next summer and it is thought that the current depot in Weldbank Lane will be demolished after the move.
Ian Tyler of Balfour Beatty, said: “The upgrade of the stations will help meet the changing needs and support the modern practices of the fire and rescue service and provide a better environment for working, learning and training. We look forward to working with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Authority.”
The new station will also incorporate Southern Area headquarters, a training development department and a base for the Urban Search and Rescue team.
Lancashire’s Chief Fire Officer, Peter Holland, said: “This is a major boost for Lancashire. Our fire prevention work with communities has driven down the incidence of fires to their lowest level ever. In terms of emergency cover, today’s demands on Fire and Rescue Services are more challenging than ever, with a diversity of fire and other risks, volumes of traffic and road networks which were not envisaged when the fire stations in Blackburn, Fleetwood, Burnley and Chorley were built. “I am confident that these new stations will enable us to keep ahead of the pace of change in those areas. They will also ensure that the first-rate standards of fire and rescue cover we provide there continue to be maintained.”
Woman dies in train fire
A 43 year-old woman died in a fire in a train toilet cubicle on Monday evening.
The Northampton to Euston train was approaching Leighton Buzzard when a passenger spotted a fire in the cubicle. West Coast mainline services were severely delayed as a result of the incident. It is thought that the woman committed suicide but an investigation will be carried out to find out exactly what happened.
A spokesperson for British Transport Police said: “The deceased woman has injuries consistent with burns. No other person is believed to have been involved in the incident and it is not being treated as an accident.”
The overhead power lines were switched off as a precaution as police, firefighters and the ambulance service attended the scene.
Anne Farthing, 49, who saw the fire from her home said: “I looked out of the window and saw thick smoke that was like a fog.” Another eye witness said: “The smoke was so thick it got onto your chest. The fire, police and ambulance service were here very quickly.”
Thatched cottage saved by fire-resistant boarding
A Devonshire cottage has escaped total destruction thanks to fire-resistant boarding under the thatched roof.
More than 100 firefighters attended the fire at the Grade II listed thatch cottage near Drewsteignton.
Senior South Devon fire officer Andy Rowse said that the fire-resistant boarding under the thatch saved the property from being burnt to a shell.
Thirty per cent of the roof was destroyed and the first floor of the house suffered smoke and water damage. Luckily, many of the occupants belongings, including family heirlooms were rescued.
There were no casualties reported although an elderly couple were in the house at the time but managed to escape unhurt.
Along with the many firefighters, police, the Red Cross, emergency support services and the Salvation Army also offered their support.
By midnight fire crews were damping down hot spots and the incident was scaled down to four appliances from Torquay, Exmouth, Chulmleigh and Princetown.
Station commander Rowse said: “The crews did a fantastic job in difficult circumstances. The cottage had a layer of fire-resistant boarding under the thatch. It worked wonders to save the property. So many times firefighters have been to thatch fires where the roof has completely gone and all that’s left is a shell — in this case only 30 per cent of the roof has gone and the damage elsewhere has been minimal. The location was difficult because the house was down a very narrow country lane which gave us challenges getting appliances there and the water hydrant was half a mile away. But everyone worked together very efficiently.”
It is thought that the fire was caused by a defective chimney flue.
Fire rips through Rickmansworth bar for second time this year
A fire broke out at The Globe Bar in Rickmansworth at around 2.30am on 5th April. It is the second fire at the property in less than 3 months. The first fire was on January 17th and was thought to have been caused by faulty decorative lighting.
Over 30 firefighters attended the fire and had extinguished the flames by about 4.30am.
No casualties have been reported and an investigation is now underway to determine the cause of the fire.
Devon landlord fined £158,000 for safety breaches
Joseph Ernest Draper was fined at Exeter Crown Court after pleading guilty to four offences under the Fire Safety Order 2005.
The court case follows a fire at Mr Drapers Ilfracombe property which resulted in some of the 13 tenants having to escape from the burning building by climbing on to the roof.
After the fire, Devon and Somerset fire investigators carrying out a safety audit discovered that doors were not constructed to resist fire and some did not have self closing devices fitted.
Nick manning from Devon and Somerset fire service said: “Landlords and owners of properties used as flats should take notice of the outcome of this case – it has sent a clear message with the level of the fine awarded.”