Firefighters in Northamptonshire attended 70 per cent more chimney fires last year, compared to the year before. In the financial year 2019-2020, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) attended 68 chimney fires, compared to 40 in 2018-2019. With the colder weather now setting in, NFRS would like to remind people to please have their chimney …
Organisers of a poster competition aimed at highlighting the dangers of arson have announced the winner as 11-year-old Callum Stewart from Northampton. The competition for under 18s was launched earlier this year by the joint Arson Task Force (ATF) and Prevention teams (Northamptonshire Police and Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service), who were looking for leaflets …
Thousands of pounds in post-Grenfell funding have been spent on kitting every fire engine in the county with fire escape hoods, to help keep people safer during fire evacuations. Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) has bought in 120 fire escape hoods, which can be placed over the heads of members of the public to …
When Kenneth Amassah came to the UK to study, at the age of 25, he believed he would soon return home to Ghana. Looking back the 42-year-old, who now works for Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS), explained that his intention never was to stay. He recalled: “When I came here to the UK, it …
When the public ring 999 to report a fire, someone trapped in water, or even a chemical incident, they will speak to an operator in the control room at Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS). This International Control Room Week (19-25 October), NFRS would like to mark the tremendous achievements of our four Watches who …
We are today launching our ‘Creep Safe’ campaign, encouraging people across Northamptonshire to enjoy celebrations safely this Halloween. Covid-19 restrictions mean that this year Northamptonshire Police is discouraging trick or treating activities, a decision Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) is supporting as an emergency service partner. However, this doesn’t mean that all fun is …
Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service is keen to support Black History Month this October, marking the achievements and contributions of Black people in all walks of life. The Service took this opportunity to put together a profile piece about Corby firefighter Fitzy Jacobs, who has served just under 20 years with the Service. Fitzy reflected …
Fundraising efforts reached dizzying heights for one Northants firefighter when he climbed the UK’s highest mountain – all while dressed in fire kit. Phil Radwell donned his helmet, complete kit and even an old set of breathing apparatus to scale Ben Nevis which is 1,345 metres above sea level. Completing the physically tough task took …
Northamptonshire Police Fire and Crime Commissioner Stephen Mold has asked Chief Fire Officer Darren Dovey to return to his role following his planned retirement next month and continue to lead Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service’s response to the ongoing pandemic and steer its performance improvement plan. Mr Dovey has served almost 33 years as a …
Congratulations go to an intrepid team of firefighters from Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service who excelled in a virtual firefighters’ challenge, against competitors from across Europe. Firefighter Aaron Childs, who is based at Mereway Fire Station in Northampton, landed first place in the Cheshire Firefighter Challenge (and first in his age group), beating 89 other …
Don’t leave candles burning when you leave the room.
You should always keep an eye on naked flames wherever they are!
Don’t plug too many plugs into a socket.
This can cause an electrical fire.
Never touch the oven or fireplace unless a grown up is with you.
Ask a grown up to check the smoke alarms once a month.
Never take the batteries out when it goes off by accident, you might forget to put them back in.
Unfortunately, the very features that provide this fast response can also produce unwanted signals arising from activities other than a real fire.
These can prove both costly both to the Fire Service, by initiating unnecessary turnouts of fire appliances and to the building operator. Evacuation of a building as a result of a false alarm signal can result in loss of production and general disruption of normal business activities.
Visit our Unwanted Fire Signals page for more details on our unwanted fire signal reduction policy.
Compliance with the simple rules below will help to release the fire service for more essential duties.
They may also help to save you from the permanent loss of business so frequently associated with a major fire.
Make sure you carry out a continuous fire risk assessment of your building ensuring the following points are followed:
Download the documents below for assistance with completing your risk assessment:
Blank Fire Risk Assessment Proforma (PDF 117KB) Fire Risk Assessment (worked example for office premises (PDF 462KB)
Fire Risk Assessment (worked example for House in Multiple Occupation (HMO)) (PDF 389KB)If you feel, having read the guidance, that you:
You will need to appoint a specialist to carry out the risk assessment for you. Such a specialist must identify the fire safety measures that need to be in place. You should maintain close involvement in the process.
The Fire Risk Assessment Competency Council have produced a document (Guidance Choosing a Competent Fire Risk Assessor) for information on how to select an appropriate person or organisation to carry out the risk assessment on your behalf.
The guide and other helpful documents are available via the link below:
Weather patterns in the UK usually mean that extreme conditions such as ice, snow and heavy rain can happen suddenly and can often leave drivers unprepared for what they might face on the roads.
Many drivers may fail to realise the extent to which extreme weather can affect aspects of driving such as visibility and stopping distances. Stopping distances can double in wet conditions and can increase ten-fold in ice and snow. Add to this the fact that reactions to hazards become impaired when drivers cannot see clearly, and the results can be fatal.
If possible, avoid driving in snow and other dangerous conditions such as fog, heavy rain and ice. Think about if there are any alternatives such as home-working arrangements; particularly if you live in a rural area.
Change the way you drive depending on the weather
The numbers of people choosing to cycle for fun, fitness or to get to work has increased by more than a quarter in twenty years and an incredible 3.2 billion miles are cycled on our roads every year.
Bikeability
Cycling is an effective sustainable mode of travel to school, however, all pupils cycling must be made aware of the need for safety and security when cycling. The National Standard Cycle Training is a progressive scheme that moves through three levels to give parents the reassurance that their children have the necessary skills and confidence to cycle to school. Children are encouraged to achieve all three levels of training. Bikeability is organised by our Highways Team in Northamptonshire. If you would like further information regarding Bikeability training please contact them on cycletraining@kierwsp.co.uk
Please visit the Think website for further information and safety tips on cycling.
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