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New high-tech fire engine goes on the run

no@spam.com (Chief Editor) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 22:19:06 BST

A new fire engine featuring the latest line in firefighting and safety equipment including CCTV, special foam and fan systems, is due to start operation in Medway next week.

The appliance is the first of its kind for Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) because it has a main pump that can provide Compressed Air Foam (CAFs) and carries a Positive Pressure Ventilation fan (PPV), both of which will greatly enhance crew safety. It also has CCTV cameras to combat anti-social behaviour and record incidents at fire-grounds.

Costing around £192,000, it replaces an older appliance at Medway and, after undergoing several weeks of training, firefighters will start using it on Wednesday 18 June.

KFRS Assistant Director of Operations Steve Demetriou said: “This vehicle is the first in a full programme of service fleet improvements which will ensure that our firefighters can continue to provide a first class service to the public. KFRS is committed to continuously improving firefighting vehicles and equipment and significant funding is being provided to this programme.”

Over the last year, KFRS reported 11 incidents of verbal or physical abuse* against its crews and although that number is relatively low – particularly compared to other fire and rescue services – it is hoped the CCTV will further deter anti-social behaviour.

Steve added: “We will not tolerate any abuse against our crews as they carry out often life-saving work. The new appliance in Medway is a pilot project which may be repeated throughout the county if it proves successful but the Kent and Medway communities are largely supportive of our role and I hope the cameras will be used more for training purposes and recording how we tackle fires, than for collecting evidence of violent or abusive behaviour.”

As well as improving crew safety, the CAF and PPV systems minimise the environmental impact of fire fighting. Traditionally, firefighters use large quantities of water to extinguish fires sometimes with adverse affects, which include the impact it can have on water supplies. It also creates steam which can cause scolding type injuries to firefighters and can cause more damage to property, while the contaminated water “run off” from fires has the potential to enter water courses, with the potential to cause further damage to the environment.

With the new CAF system, fire crews are able to mix very small amounts of foam with compressed air and water to make a large quantity of wet or dry foam to fight fires. When used, the foam sticks to the material that is on fire, greatly reducing the possibility of “run off” from entering water courses. It also has less surface tension than water so is quickly absorbed, suppressing and cooling fires faster than traditional techniques.

The PPV fans are used to increase pressure inside fire hit buildings which subsequently drive out heat, smoke, gases and other products of combustion. The fan provides a flow of cool, fresh air, making it much safer for firefighters who may have to enter a building to tackle the fire within or rescue people trapped inside.

Medway Station Manager Jim Ramsden said: “Medway’s fire crews will benefit in several ways from the investment in such equipment. Firefighting with foam is more efficient and environmentally friendly. We will also be able to minimise the damage caused by smoke and fumes by using PPV fans.”

‘’With the addition of CCTV on the appliance, it will mean our firefighters are leading the way with new technology that will not only further protect the community, but also KFRS staff. ”

Note to editors: Journalists and photographers are invited to come and see the new appliance and equipment on Wednesday 18 June at 2.30pm at Medway Fire Station in Watling Street, Gillingham.

There will also be an opportunity to interview Assistant Director Steve Demetriou, Station Manager Jim Ramsden and some of the firefighters who will be operating the new engine.
Please confirm your attendance by contacting the press office on (01622) 692121.

*Figures relate from 1 April 2007 to 31 March 2008.

Kent firefighter receives national award

no@spam.com (Chief Editor) — Thu, 29 May 2008 14:50:01 BST

A firefighter who has led the way in raising awareness of hidden disabilities in the work place and in the community has triumphed at the national Fire and Rescue Service Equality and Diversity Awards.

As a dyslexic, Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) Strood Watch Manager Chris Caswell knows all to well how a disability can lead to problems with day to day tasks such as reading and understanding written communications and instructions. Chris spent several years masking his disability because he was worried about how his colleagues would react.

Once he declared his dyslexia, Chris realised that Kent Fire and Rescue Service was more than willing to support him and was also prepared to make adjustments so that he could work on a level playing field to his counterparts.

Using himself as an example, Chris strived to ensure that staff and management were aware of hidden disabilites such as dyslexia. This has helped develop an open approach to disability, which has in turn encourgaed other affected staff to come forward and declare that they have a disability without feeling embarrassed.

Speaking yesterday (28th May) at conference aimed at addressing Equality and Diversity in the Fire and Rescue Service, Fire Minister Parmijt Dhanda presented the awards with BBC News and television broadcaster Nicholas Owen. These give recognition to Fire and Rescue Service staff in England - both individually and in teams - who have shown exceptional commitment to leadership, service delivery and partnership working which furthers the aim of improving diversity in the Fire and Rescue Service.

Chris fought off 40 other applicants to win the Communities and Local Government award for Service Delivery.

The panel of judges, made up by both private and public sector peers who had an excellent understanding of equality and diversity issues, said: “This was a marvellous example of demonstrating good practice for other fire and rescue services to follow. Chris’ innovative approach successfully promoted hidden disabilities and prompted significant changes to Kent Fire and Rescue Service’s policies on disability and the way it delivers its service. The benefits of which have been felt in both the workplace and the community.”

Chris said: “I am so pleased to win this award – colleagues in Human Resources, Information Systems (IS) and Training Centre put in a tremendous amount of hard work so that we could effectively address disabilities like dyslexia, not only for the benefit of staff but the public we serve too.

“In recognising hidden disabilities, KFRS has developed different methods for new recruits and firefighters to complete promotional exams, improved the IT facilities that are on offer so that dyslexics and others can receive information in either a Video, Audio or written format. It has also made significant changes to the way it communicates with others – for example, we now have software that enables dyslexic staff to speak an email and then send it to the intended recipient, as well as a read speaker facility on its website that speaks aloud written content.

“By making practical changes and demonstrating that KFRS is an employer that respects, values and supports its staff, regardless of disability, we hope that the members of the diverse communities in Kent and Medway are encouraged to seriously consider careers in the fire and rescue service. Our goal is to have a workforce that truly reflects the county we serve.”

Warm weather prompts fire safety warning

no@spam.com (Chief Editor) — Wed, 07 May 2008 20:22:52 BST

Kent Fire and Rescue Service is warning people to be extra careful not to start fires during the recent period of hot weather.
Dried out grass verges and hedgerows can easily catch light if people are careless with cigarettes or don't extinguish fires or barbecues properly.
Head of Community Safety Stuart Skilton said: “During warmer weather grass and crop fires can be serious problem for the Service and tie up a huge amount of our valuable firefighting resources. We want to encourage people to take care and think about what they’re doing. For example, drivers should refrain from discarding cigarettes through car windows while driving along as this, combined with dry grass verges and hedgerows, can easily lead to fires.”
He added: “Another major problem for us is children deliberately setting fires so, if you are a parent, we urge you to warn them of the dangers of fire, as well as keeping matches and lighters out of their reach.”

By following these important safety tips people can help to prevent fires starting in the first place:
• Don't discard cigarettes out of car windows as this can set light to grass verges and
grassland areas
• Don't light fires in the countryside or drop litter which could be set fire to
• Don't accumulate rubbish which can act as potential fuel for deliberate fire setters
• Contact your local district or borough council to arrange collection of unwanted furniture, or to report abandoned vehicles or fly tipped waste
• Extinguish bonfires and barbecues properly
• Keep matches and lighters out of the way of young children and remind them that they are not toys
• If you are a parent you are strongly advised not to leave youngsters to wander in the countryside unsupervised. Ensure that they are aware of the dangers of fire
• Report any information on fire setting activities and those responsible (anonymously if need be) to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Cutting edge equipment puts Kent Fire & Rescue Service on the map

no@spam.com (Chief Editor) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:29:32 BST

Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) is set to demonstrate cutting edge equipment at a special exercise at Ashford Fire Station on 6th May.

The new equipment - known as Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) and Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV) fans – is designed to minimise the environmental impact of fire fighting and to improve crew safety.

Assistant Director of Community Safety Steve Griffiths said: “KFRS is recognised as innovator of modern and advanced fire fighting. As a forward thinking organisation, we are constantly striving to improve our service and provide value for money and as part of this have invested in life saving equipment that will help us provide the best service we can.”

Traditionally, firefighters use large quantities of water to extinguish fires. The adverse affects of which include: the impact it can have on water supplies; it creates steam which in turn causes more damage to property; the contaminated water “run off” from fires has the potential to enter water courses, causing further damage to the environment.

With the new CAF system, fire crews are able to mix very small amounts of foam with compressed air and water to make a large quantity of wet or dry foam to fight fires.

When used, the foam sticks to the material that is on fire, immensely reducing the possibility of “run off” from entering water courses. It also has less surface tension than water, so is quickly absorbed, suppressing and cooling fires faster than traditional techniques.

Steve said: “There are several benefits to investing in such equipment. Because the foam extinguishes fires much faster than using water, we can minimise crews exposure to fumes therefore improving their safety. We are then able to release appliances and firefighters from the scene of an incident much sooner, leaving us able to respond better when you may need us. In addition, because we are using considerably less water than we would do normally, it vastly reduces the detrimental effects a fire can have on local surroundings.”

The PPV fans are used to increase pressure inside fire hit buildings which, subsequently, drive out heat, smoke, gases and other products of combustion.

The fan typically provides a flow of cool, fresh air into a building, making it much safer for firefighters who may have to enter a building to tackle the fire within or if they had to rescue people trapped inside.

Steve said: “KFRS prides itself on being one the best fire and rescue services in the country. Investing these new pieces of equipment demonstrates our commitment to the health and safety of our staff and the people we serve and also proves KFRS as a pioneer of modern day fire fighting.”

'Watch out for kitchen fires' warn fire crews

no@spam.com (Chief Editor) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 09:55:14 BST

Firefighters are calling for Kent residents to take more care when cooking at home and to make sure appliances are never left on overnight to reduce the risk of fire breaking out in the kitchen.

In the last three years Kent Fire and Rescue Service has attended nearly 1,300 fires that started in kitchen ‘white goods’, and as a result one person lost their life, 135 people suffered injury and 43 people had to be rescued by fire crews from their homes.*

Cooking fires are still the most common cause of accidental fire in the home, with most occurring where cooking has been left unattended in the oven or grill or due to an item accidentally catching fire on a hot hob. However, around 180 blazes broke out when kitchen ‘white goods’ such as washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers and refrigerators overheated or developed a fault.

Only this weekend, an Ashford couple were victim of a tumble dryer fire but thanks to the fact that the property had working smoke alarms which alerted them to the blaze, damage was contained mostly to the dryer itself and the room it was in. The man suffered minor burns and both inhaled smoke from the blaze.

KFRS community safety officer Mick Smith said: “If this had happened during the night, it could have been so much worse, especially if smoke alarms hadn’t been fitted, and potentially fatal as the fire may have spread further undetected.

“I would strongly urge people not to leave appliances running overnight because if a fault develops and it catches fire while you sleep, you are less likely to discover the fire in time to get you and other occupants out safely.”

He continued: “Make sure smoke alarms are fitted and working in your home and if you have any appliances that are getting old I would recommend that you consider having them tested and maintained as they are potentially more at risk of developing a fault.”

Follow these safety tips below to help keep you and your family safe from fire in the home:

• Fit a smoke alarm on each level of your home. When a fire starts, you only have a few minutes to escape so an early warning is vital.
• Test it weekly. A working smoke alarm can buy you valuable time to get out, stay out and dial 999.

• Plan your escape route. Make sure you and your family know the quickest way out in the event of fire. Consider an alternative route in case your usual one is blocked.

• Stay safe in the kitchen. This is the area where most house fires start. It only takes a minute to check electrical appliances are switched off. Never leave cooking unattended and avoid build up of grease and dirt on cooking appliances.

• If a fire does start, close the door to contain the fire. Get out of the building, stay out and call the fire and rescue service.
• Ask the experts. Kent Fire and Rescue Service offer free home fire safety checks to identify potential fire risks and advise what to do to reduce or prevent them. The checks take about 30 minutes and include if required the fitting free 10-year smoke alarms.

To arrange a free Home Fire Safety Check or to find out more call Kent Fire and Rescue Service for free on 0800 923 7000 or visit their website www.kent.fire-uk.org.

*Kent Fire and Rescue Service figures between 1 April 2005 and 31 March 2008 for Accidental dwelling fires attended caused by white kitchen goods. Casualty figures include precautionary checks.