Date Added: 3rd September 21:21pm
Press Officer: Paul Archer
Telephone: 01243 752448
Pictures & Video Update:
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http://www.wsfb.co.uk/pictures/030910/horserescue2.jpg
FIREFIGHTERS FREE HORSE TRAPPED IN CAB OF HORSE TRANSPORTER
Firefighters faced a rescue with a difference tonight when a horse in transit broke free and kicked its way into the front cab of its horsebox. Its groom was also kicked as he was trying to calm the animal and had to be taken to hospital via ambulance with a suspected head injury.
The unusual drama began just after 4:15pm on the northbound carriageway of A23 near Bolney.
The horse - a 2 year old colt – became trapped after kicking its way out of the rear section and getting stuck in the front cab and accommodation section. The startled driver and groom stopped immediately and called the emergency services.
The groom, a male believed to be in his 30's, stayed in the cab but had to pulled free by the firefighters after being struck in the head by the kicking horse.
The A23 was temporarily closed over fears the startled horse would break free and bolt across the busy road putting other road users in danger.
The animal was sedated by a vet and firefighters from Crawley and the West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service's Technical Rescue Unit had to cut away the rear of the horse transporter to allow space for the colt to be freed.
It was eventually freed at 6:15pm and appeared to have suffered no serious injury.
Video footage taken by West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service will be available soon.
Date Added: 3rd September
Press Officer: Sarah Smith
Telephone: 01243 752448
A SELECTION OF INCIDENTS ATTENDED BY WSFRS 9AM THURSDAY 2ND SEPTEMBER TO 9AM FRIDAY 3RD SEPTEMBER
THURSDAY
Call Ref: 8938
Time: 09:10-09:32
Location: NORTH OF FOLDERS LANE ROUNDABOUT, B2112 DITCHLING COMMON
Incident: RTC - involving 3 cars - no persons trapped - road made safe by WSFRS - WrL Burgess Hill
Call Ref: 8955
Time: 12:54-14:11
Location: TERRACED HOUSE, ALICIA AVE, CRAWLEY
Incident: RTC - 1 car into corner of house - 1 male and 1 female taken to hospital by ambulance - vehicle made safe by WSFRS - building stabilised and secured using acro props - WrL & HRT CRawley
Call Ref: 8961
Time: 14:38-14:59
Location: ALLOTMENTS AT R/O MANOR HALL RD, SOUTHWICK
Incident: Fire - area of scrub and grass alight - approx 50m x 20m - extinguished using 2HR - area damped down - deliberate ignition - WrL & L4T Shoreham-By-Sea, WrL Hove (East Sussex FRS)
Call Ref: 8962
Time: 14:49-15:12
Location: BEECH HURST GARDENS, BUTLERS GREEN RD, HAYWARDS HEATH
Incident: Assistance - 1 elderly male fallen from mobility scooter onto miniature railway line - WSFRS assisted paramedics in releasing male using spinal board - casualty taken to hospital by ambulance - WrL Haywards Heath
Call Ref: 8975
Time: 19:46-20:00
Location: FLAT, SOUTH FARM RD, BROADWATER, WORTHING
Incident: Fire - small fire in kitchen - 2BA, 1HR used to extinguish - accidental ignition - WrLx2 Worthing
Call Ref: 8980
Time: 22:27-23:58
Location: O/S FARMHOUSE, TURNERS HILL RD, CRAWLEY DOWN
Incident: RTC - involving car on side into electrical substation - no persons trapped - power supply to substation isolated by EDF energy - male casualty taken to hospital by ambulance - vehicle made safe by WSFRS - incident left with police - WrL Turners Hill
Call Ref: 8981
Time: 22:30-00:07
Location: DISUSED KENNELS, A264 BROADFIELD, CRAWLEY
Incident: Fire - single storey derelict timber building alight - 2 covering jets used to prevent fire spread - area damped down - deliberate ignition - WrLx2 Crawley, BASU Horsham
WrL Water Tender Ladder
L4T Four Wheel Drive Vehicle with Water Tank
CU Command Unit
HR Hose Reel
RIB Rigid Inflatable Boat
BA Breathing Apparatus
HRT Heavy Rescue Tender
ALP Aerial Ladder Platform
BASU - Breathing Apparatus Support Unit
WrC Water Carrier
PPV Fan Positive Pressure Ventilation fan
TIC Thermal Imaging Camera
FIO Fire Investigation Officer
TRU Technical Rescue Unit
Date Added: 22nd July
Press Officer: Sarah Lander
Telephone: 01243 752448
Updated Photo Release issued at 14:14hrs 22-07-2010
FIREFIGHTERS CALLED AFTER ICE SMASHES THROUGH CHICHESTER COUPLE'S ROOF
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, more accustomed to extinguishing fires, came to the aid of a Chichester couple in the early hours of this morning after a huge block of ice crashed through their roof as they slept.
Firefighters from Red Watch in Chichester were called at 1.42 this morning after the block of ice, believed to have fallen from an aircraft, smashed a 2ft hole through the second floor flat roof at Summerdale Court in Chichester.
Flat owner Vince Foot and his wife were fast asleep when they were woken by an almighty crash. A stunned Mr Foot described what happened:
“I was woken by an unbelievable bang. I thought at first it was thunder and I got up to investigate. I tried to open the spare bedroom door and it wouldn’t move. When I forced it open I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. There was an enormous hole in both the roof and the bedroom ceiling and there were great chunks of ice everywhere.
“My wife and I are in a state of shock, but we also feel like we’ve had a lucky escape. The ice smashed through the room our grandchildren sleep in when they visit, which is a terrifying thought. It is such a freak incident, but it could have been so much worse. Tiles and roof debris have been scattered nearly 30 feet so I don’t want to imagine the force with which it hit.”
Mr Foot was also quick to praise the fire crew who attended, “The firefighters were brilliant, they put a temporary cover over the hole and were very reassuring.”
Red Watch Manager Pete Windsor said:
"This is one of the strangest incidents we've been called to, we are just relieved that nobody was hurt and that we were able to offer them some assistance. They have had a miraculous escape really."
Date Added: 6th July
PEOPLE are being urged to take extra care when enjoying a day in the country during the current hot spell.
The call comes from West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, which is seeing an increase in calls involving grass and forestry blazes and cases of controlled burning that have got out of control.
Firefighters are also warning people to be extra cautious in their own back gardens.
Jackie Boyle, Community Fire Safety Officer, said: “The current hot weather looks set to continue with the Met Office forecasting dry weather. The land has become tinder-dry and the possibility of fire spreading is now very high.”
West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service’s countryside advice is:
· Extinguish cigarettes and other smoking materials properly.
· Never throw cigarette ends out of car windows.
· Don't leave bottles and glass in woodlands. “Sunlight shining through glass can start fires. Take them home or put them in a waste or recycling bin,” said Jackie.
· Only use barbecues in suitable, safe areas – and never leave them unattended.
· Avoid open fires.
Jackie added: “If you see a fire in the countryside report it immediately – don't be tempted to tackle fires that can't be put out with a bucket of water.”
Peter Evans, County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “Without a doubt we have some of the most beautiful countryside in the UK – let’s keep it that way by following this advice from our firefighters.”
Date Added: 30th June
FIRE SERVICE AND RED CROSS PARTNERSHIP STRENGTHENED
A longstanding partnership between West Sussex County Council Fire & Rescue Service and the British Red Cross has been strengthened with the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding at Littlehampton Fire Station.
The Memorandum was signed yesterday (Tuesday June, 29) by County Fire Officer Max Hood and Gloria Moss, Senior Services Manager of Red Cross Sussex & Kent. It was witnessed by the President of Sussex Red Cross Quenelda Avery, High Sheriff of West Sussex, Elizabeth Bennett, the Mayor of Littlehampton Joyce Bowyer, and Peter Evans, County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection.
For more than a decade the British Red Cross has been working alongside West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service operating Fire and Emergency Support Service (FESS) vehicles from Haywards Heath Fire Station and more recently from Littlehampton Fire Station.
As part of the British Red Cross' emergency response role, the FESS provides around the clock practical and emotional support to hundreds of people each year across the county whose lives have been adversely affected by fire, flood or similar emergency.
The service is operated by fully trained British Red Cross volunteers who use a specially adapted vehicle kitted out with warm clothing, food, toiletries and other basic essentials.
If a property is rendered uninhabitable the volunteers stay with the owners or tenants acting on their behalf to ensure they have temporary accommodation. The volunteers also direct people to the agencies that can give then the longer term assistance they may need.
Max Hood said: "We're delighted to officially recognise this partnership with the Red Cross and formally acknowledge what an invaluable contribution the Fire and Emergency Support Service makes.
"Just last month we attended two fires in the Worthing area where they provided respite, reassurance and advice at the scene to families who suffered damage to their homes, which allowed us to fully concentrate on the firefighting operation."
Gloria Moss said: "The FESS volunteers are there when people need them, day or night. For people who have suffered the loss of their belongings, or worse their home, the volunteers provide that vital first step to accessing the help they need to rebuild their lives."
Peter Evans said: "I cannot praise highly enough the role the British Red Cross has been playing providing vital support to people at what is one of the most upsetting times of their life. I am delighted this partnership with our Fire and Rescue Service is being strengthened."
For more information on the Fire and Emergency Support Service, please contact 01273 227800 or visit www.redcross.org.uk
Picture: http://www.wsfb.co.uk/pictures/300610/PIC1.jpg
UPDATE ON FIRE AT FORD MATERIALS RECYCLING FACILITY
Call Ref: 3121
Time: 12:38-15:40
Location: FORD RECYCLING FACILITY, FORD RD, FORD
Incident: Fire - 2 storey building approx 100m by 40m used as a recycling facility - 30 Sq metres of recycling material and equipment damaged by fire and heat - slight smoke damage to building but no fire damage - 20BA, 4jets, 2HRS - approx 75 litres of foam used - WrLx2 & WrC Littlehampton, WrLx2 East Preston, WrLx3 Worthing, WrLx2 Bognor, ISU Bognor, WrL Shoreham, BASU Shoreham, WrL Steyning, WrL East Wittering, CU Haywards Heath, FES
Date Added: 27th May 1400HRS
Press Officer: Sarah Lander
Telephone: 01243 752448
ONGOING FIRE AT FORD MATERIALS RECYCLING FACILITY
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is currently in attendance at a fire in the plastics recycling facility at the Ford Materials Recycling Centre at Ford
The first call to the fire service was received at 12:37 hrs and the first attendance was 2 fire engines from Littlehampton.
The 1st message on arrival stated that smoke was issuing and requested that the pumps attending should be made up to 6.
The latest informative that came through at 12:55 stated that the fire is in the single storey building 100m x 40m, involving the plastics recycling section.
4 Breathing Apparatus, 3 Hose Reels and covering foam are in use
Date Added: 11th May 2130
Press Officer: Gary Towson
Telephone: 01243 752448
FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE FIRE IN THATCHED COTTAGE
More than sixty firefighters have been battling to save a thatched cottage near Worthing after fire broke out in the roof this evening.
Crews were called to the property in The Street at Clapham shortly at 4:50pm and arrived to find smoke and flames already coming from the roof area near to the chimney.
Ladders were pitched to the roof as the firefighters worked to create a fire break in the thatch at the same time as further crews wearing breathing apparatus went inside to try and stop the fire spreading and salvage furniture and belongings on the first floor.
The fire was found to be burning deep within the thatch and crews then worked in rotation to try and remove it and protect the rest of the property.
Firefighters remain at the scene and relief crews are expected to be in attendance overnight. Volunteers from the Red Cross Fire Emergency Support Service are also at the scene providing temporary welfare facilities.
There are no reported injuries.
The fire is thought to have started accidentally but a more detailed investigation will begin in daylight tomorrow. Initial investigations have focused on a wood burning stove that was in use at the time fire broke out.
Date Added: March 27th 12:20pm
Press Officer: Gary Towson
Contact: 01243 752448
FIRE AT WORTHING HOSPITAL
A fire has badly damaged the staff canteen at Worthing Hospital this morning, but the canteen is in a separate block from the main hospital building and no patients were affected.
Although described as 'serious' the fire was quickly brought under control and the incident was scaled down within an hour.
The fire started just before 8am in kitchen on the first floor as catering staff were cooking breakfasts. It is believed to have started in a fat fryer before spreading through ducting and skylight vents to affect the roof.
The first fire crews described seeing thick black smoke pouring from the roof as they approached. They sent an assistance message 'make pumps 8' as it was feared the fire was spreading to include the whole of the first floor and roof. The building is being renovated and is temporarily covered with scaffolding and plastic sheeting.
Firefighting teams of breathing apparatus wearers made their way to the first floor where they found the whole of the canteen area heavily smoke logged down to just a few inches above the floor. The kitchen area was well alight, and as they began to tackle that fire with hose reels, further crews made use of the scaffolding and made access to the roof to stop the fire spreading.
Thanks to their actions the fires were quickly brought under control and extinguished.
Fire crews were keen to ensure that disruption was kept to a minimum and it is 'business as normal' for patients, staff and visitors. They are still at the scene assisting with salvage and fire investigation but expect to leave soon.
An emergency management team from Worthing Hospital is now working to reinstate catering services that were affected.
12th March
Firefighting operations are being scaled down at the scene of a serious house fire near West Chiltington.
Ten fire engines were mobilised shortly after 3:30pm to the detached house in Coolham Rd. The owner and three other adult occupiers had managed to escape safely prior to the arrival of firefighters from nearby Storrington, and thankfully there are no reports of any injuries.
The fire is believed to have broken out in an area on the ground floor close to the main electrical intake, before spreading rapidly to involve the whole of the first floor and roof space.
When firefighters arrived, smoke was pouring from the roof and flames shooting from windows at the front and back of the property. Teams of breathing apparatus wearers entered the house but faced a severe fire with intense heat as they made their way up the stairs. The fire was knocked down but teams were then forced to withdraw as the ceilings began to collapse.
Crews then commenced defensive firefighting operations and salvaged valuables and personal belongings for the owner.
A specialist water carrier has been used to supply a temporary damn and give a constant water supply for firefighting.
The fire is out although there remains a number of 'hotspots' in voids with difficult access and crews are expected to remain in attendance overnight.
EDF energy has isolated the electrical supply, and the B2139 remains closed at Dukes Hill between Thakeham and West Chiltington Rd. A Building Control Officer from Horsham District Council has also attended to advise on the stability of the premises.
Date Added: 8th May 0915
Press Officer: Gary Towson
Telephone: 01243 752448
SEVEN PEOPLE TRAPPED BY FLAT FIRE - WORTHING
Six adults and a baby have been rescued by firefighters after becoming trapped by a fire in their flats in Worthing.
The Command & Mobilising Centre of West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service was called to the flats above a hairdressers shop in Crescent Rd, Worthing at 4am this morning, Saturday 8th May.
A smoke alarm had alerted the occupants of a third floor flat, but they were unable to get out because of the smoke and heat in the communal hallway.
Smoke was coming into their flat, and calling 999 for help they were given fire survival guidance by a Control Operator.
She advised them to close doors, put towels or bedding around the door to stop smoke coming in, and get to an open window at the front of the property where they could be seen by firefighters.
The Control Operator then stayed on the phone until the firefighters arrived, talking calming and reassuring them help was on its way.
Crews from Worthing Fire Station arrived within 6 minutes, and could see the male and female trapped at the window.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the ground floor to tackle the fire, with the whole of the hallway heavily smoke-logged. They found the seat of the fire in a cupboard containing the main electrical consumer unit.
Occupants of the flats on the first and second floor were woken by the noise and appeared at their windows, still trapped by the heat and smoke in the hallway and stairs.
Firefighters outside gave them the same advice about closing doors and blocking smoke with bedding, and to stay at the window where they could see them.
The fire was extinguished and the smoke cleared by using a large positive pressure ventilation fan.
One further adult was located in a ground floor flat, apparently unaware of the drama unfolding outside her flat!
All the residents were then led to safety by firefighters, with some of them being assessed by paramedics. One male and one female, both in their 20’s were then taken to hospital suffering the effects of smoke inhalation.
The Red Cross Fire Emergency Support Service, staffed by Red Cross volunteers, attended to provide assistance and temporary welfare facilities to all the displaced residents.
The main electrical supply to the building had to be isolated by EDF, and Worthing Borough Council has put some residents up in temporary accommodation, with others going to family or friends.
Crew Commander Adie Carter from Worthing Fire Station, who was in charge of the first crews to arrive, said it was fortunate the smoke alarm woke the occupants of the top flat.
"If fire starts and goes undetected, smoke builds up and you are in danger of being overcome as you sleep. You may wake up in a smoke filled room coughing and unable to breathe, and then find yourself unable to escape because your escape route - normally your stairs or hallway - is blocked or impassable because of the fire and smoke.
"Give yourself a chance. Make sure you have smoke alarms fitted. They cost as little as £5 and could one day save your life."
For free home fire safety advice please contact your local fire station, call , or visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire
Date Added: 12th March
HOUSE FIRE IN WEST CHILTINGTON
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is currently tackling a blaze in the first floor and roof area of a large detached house in Coolham Rd, West Chiltington.
The call was received from the owner of the house just after 3.30 pm this afternoon with fire crews from Storrington first to arrive on the scene. Ten appliances are now in attendance with crews from across the county tackling the blaze.
There are no reported injuries – the four occupants were able to leave the house unharmed before the arrival of the Fire Service.
The B2139 has been temporarily closed while the incident is ongoing.
Date Added: 31st January 2010
HEATER TOO CLOSE SETS BED ON FIRE AS WOMAN SLEEPS
A woman in bed suffered burns and smoke inhalation when an electric heater set fire to her duvet as she slept.
The batteries in smoke alarms had been removed and firefighters say she is lucky to survive because the blaze was only discovered by a sister returning from a night out.
The woman is reported to have superficial burns to her face, back and legs. A brother suffered burns to his hands after pulling the burning duvet off the bed, and both were treated at the scene by paramedics and firefighters before being taken to hospital.
The blaze broke out shortly before 5am at the large semi-detached house in Saint Hill Rd, East Grinstead and three fire engines were mobilised from East Grinstead, Turners Hill and Forest Row.
It is thought the woman, believed to be in her twenties, turned on the electric fire before going to sleep but left it too close to the bed and some discarded clothing. Fast asleep, she was unaware of the danger she was in until her sister raised the alarm.
Other family members tackled the blaze with bowls of water, and it was just smouldering when the firefighters arrived.
Dean Dewey from West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service said the fire highlighted a number of safety issues for people in their homes.
"Two people needed hospital treatment but this incident had all the potential to end in tragedy. It was a cold night, and people will use extra heaters to try and keep warm, but obviously they should be kept at a safe distance from anything flammable.
"In this case we’re not sure whether it was the clothing that caught fire or the duvet falling off the bed while she slept, but you should still get an early warning if you have a working smoke alarm.
"A smoke alarm without a battery just becomes a piece of plastic that will protect no-one and put lives in danger if a fire does break out."
For fire safety advice visit www.wsfrs.gov.uk/fire or call 0800 328 6487
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Date Added: Jan 23rd 09:00
EARTHQUAKE FIREFIGHTERS RETURN HOME
The West Sussex firefighters sent to Haiti to help rescue victims of the earthquake have arrived safely back in the UK this morning.
The six were part of a 64-strong UK International Search & Rescue team that was mobilised within hours of the earthquake striking the island ten days ago.
Among those rescued by the UK team was Mia, a 2 year old girl pulled from a collapsed kindergarten after three days and reunited with her mother. The team was also involved in helicopter reconnaissance and evacuating some of the more seriously injured victims.
There is now little hope of finding anymore victims alive in the rubble and the rescue teams are gradually being stood down. The whole of the UK team left from Porto-au-Prince yesterday and landed at Gatwick 06:40 this morning.
International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander said: "We should all be proud of the firefighters who worked tirelessly to help the Haitian people in difficult and dangerous conditions. The international aid effort continues but their work is now done, and I would like to thank them on behalf of the UK government."
The team were met at Gatwick by County Fire Officer Max Hood and Peter Evans, the West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection. Both keen to welcome them home and say thank you for a difficult job well done.
"West Sussex can be proud we have a team of specially trained firefighters able to play a key role in such a worldwide event" said Peter Evans. "The scale of the humanitarian disaster in Haiti has been overwhelming, making this a very difficult assignment for all involved, but the professionalism and dedication shown by our team has been a credit to themselves and the rest of our Fire & Rescue Service."
Max Hood added his own praise for the firefighters and said it was good to have the team back safe and well. "The scenes they have witnessed aren’t easy to forget, but I want to thank them for doing a difficult job well in very trying circumstances. It’s now time to reflect on what they’ve achieved whilst spending some well-earned time back with their families."
Picture
http://www.wsfb.co.uk/pictures/230110/picture.JPG
NOTES FOR REPORTERS
Please do not contact team members direct.
Media will be invited to meet the West Sussex firefighters at Horsham Fire Station 1100 on Monday 25th January at 1100.
Contact the West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service media team on 01243 752448 if you want to attend and have not already made arrangements.
The West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s Technical Rescue Unit is one of 21 specialist search and rescues teams strategically situated around the UK.
These Fire & Rescue Service teams are primarily funded by central Government through its New Dimensions programme. New Dimensions was part of the UK response to 9/11 and is aimed at providing the UK a more resilient response to a major incident such as widespread flooding, structural collapses, terrorist attack or transport emergency.
Thirteen of these teams are trained to be deployed overseas as part of the UK response when a foreign government appeals for help after a natural disasters. When deployed overseas they are known as ISAR teams (International Search & Rescue)
All ISAR teams are trained to use the same kit and equipment, which can lift, cut, and remove concrete and rubble from collapsed structures, along with sophisticated cameras and listening devices for finding casualties.
Based at Horley Fire Station, the West Sussex team has 12 members who have been selected from existing WSFRS staff.
The West Sussex firefighters on this rescue mission are Station Manager St John Stanley, Crew Manager Chris Kemp, and Firefighters Peter Thorpe-Hinks, Brian Vincent, Mick Lewin and Rob Negus.
A team of 64 firefighters and two search dogs, together with 12 tonnes of equipment left Gatwick at 1840hrs on Wednesday 13th January on a flight organised by DFID, the Government Department for International Development.
Whilst working abroad each Fire & Rescue Service team has one of five specific roles within the UK rescue team; Command & Control, Logistics, Search, Rescue, and Medical. The West Sussex firefighters were running the logistical operation for the UK mission, set up in base of operations for most of the international rescue teams.
The other teams of firefighters are from Greater Manchester, Lincolnshire, Kent, West Midlands, Lancashire, South Wales, Hampshire and Mid & West Wales
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Date Added: Jan 19th 5:20pm
UPDATE ON FIREFIGHTERS IN HAITI EARTHQUAKE EFFORT
West Sussex firefighters are continuing their rescue efforts in Haiti to save people trapped by the devastating earthquake.
Together with colleagues from eight other UK Fire & Rescue Services they have been searching for survivors, treating casualties and organising helicopter evacuations for some of the most seriously injured victims.
On Sunday the UK team were assigned to Leogane, a town 25 miles west of Porto-au-Prince that no rescue teams had been to. Unfortunately they found widespread destruction and a large number of fatalities but no live casualties still trapped. Locals said no voices of people trapped had been heard for 1.5 days. The firefighters used a helicopter to evacuate casualties including a pregnant woman and a 17 year old girl with a broken pelvis.
On Monday the West Sussex firefighters were split into different groups with some going out on helicopter reconnaissance, one detached to work with the UN, and others going into Porto-au-Prince with the main UK search party.
The deteriorating security situation meant search operations were temporarily halted, and with time running out for realistically finding anyone else alive, caused a great deal frustration for the UK firefighters.
Mike Thomas, Chief Fire Officer of Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Service who is leading the UK team, said the rescue teams wanted to keep going and they had been welcomed by the Haitian people, but as the scale of the disaster continues to unfold there was an even greater need for food, water and shelter.
Today (Tuesday) the teams are once again going out searching buildings in the Carrefour area of the city, although they will be escorted by a UN security force. They are fit and well, and team morale is reported to be high.
The length of their mission remains unclear, but the fact search operations are continuing suggests there is still hope of finding people alive and their return to the UK is not imminent.
NOTES
The West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s Technical Rescue Unit is one of 21 specialist search and rescues teams strategically situated around the UK.
These Fire & Rescue Service teams are primarily funded by central Government through its New Dimensions programme. New Dimensions was part of the UK response to 9/11 and is aimed at providing the UK a more resilient response to a major incident such as widespread flooding, structural collapses, terrorist attack or transport emergency.
Thirteen of these teams are trained to be deployed overseas as part of the UK response when a foreign government appeals for help after a natural disasters. When deployed overseas they are known as ISAR teams (International Search & Rescue)
All ISAR teams are trained to use the same kit and equipment, which can lift, cut, and remove concrete and rubble from collapsed structures, along with sophisticated cameras and listening devices for finding casualties.
Based at Horley Fire Station, the West Sussex team has 12 members who have been selected from existing WSFRS staff.
The West Sussex firefighters on this rescue mission are Station Manager St John Stanley, Crew Manager Chris Kemp, and Firefighters Peter Thorpe-Hinks, Brian Vincent, Mick Lewin and Rob Negus.
A team of 64 firefighters and two search dogs, together with 12 tonnes of equipment left Gatwick at 1840hrs on Wednesday 13th January on a flight organised by DFID, the Government Department for International Development.
Whilst working abroad each Fire & Rescue Service team has one of five specific roles within the UK rescue team; Command & Control, Logistics, Search, Rescue, and Medical. The West Sussex firefighters are running the logistical operation for the UK mission, set up in base of operations for most of the international rescue teams.
The other teams of firefighters are from Greater Manchester, Lincolnshire, Kent, West Midlands, Lancashire, South Wales, Hampshire and Mid & West Wales
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Date Added: 17th January 2:45pm
UPDATE ON UK FIREFIGHTERS IN HAITI; 3 RESCUED, TEAM NOW MOVED TO EPICENTRE OF QUAKE
The team of 64 UK firefighters are beginning their third full day of operations in Haiti since they began to arrive on Thursday.
They had been working in the Deprez area of Porto-au-Prince, using local intelligence reports to search buildings where people were believed to be trapped but still alive. The team had been searching for survivors at a local Police station, a supermarket, and a language school.
So far they have rescued a two year old girl called Mia who has now been reunited with her mother after spending three days trapped in the rubble. On Saturday a team also rescued a 60yr old male after a 7hr rescue operation, and a 40yr old female who took 4 hrs to reach.
Today (Sunday) the majority of the UK International Search and Rescue team are leaving Port-au-Prince to assist in the area near the epicentre of the Haitian earthquake.
Fifty seven of them, along with members of the RAPID UK, 25 members of the Icelandic team, and 14 Qatari’s are forming a task force which is being deployed to the town of Leogane. They were hoping to depart Port-au-Price at 13:00 GMT.
Leogane is a 2 hour drive west of the capital and they will travel by lorry and bus. They will remain in Leogane for the rest of the day, through the night and continue operations there tomorrow. Leogane was near the epicentre of the earthquake and as yet no Search and Rescue teams have visited this area.
The United Nations have confirmed that security in the region should not be a problem however the teams will be escorted by a battalion of UN peacekeepers from Sri Lanka.
The remaining 7 UK International Search and Rescue personnel who are left in Port-au-Prince are staying at the airport assisting the US military distributing aid via helicopter.
All the UK team are reported to be fit and well but communications from Haiti are proving very difficult. The UK command centre for this mission is being run from the HQ of Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service and they are receiving updates via satellite phone from the teams in Haiti.
We hope to have a further update once the teams reach Leogane.
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Date Added: Jan 15th 10:40pm
UK FIREFIGHTERS RESCUE TODDLER FROM THE RUINS OF PORT-AU-PRINCE
Firefighters taking part in the UK humanitarian relief effort in Haiti have rescued a two-year-old girl from a collapsed building.
Members of the 64-strong fire and rescue party were searching buildings in which people were believed to be trapped in the capital Port-au-Prince.
Following a lengthy and difficult operation in high temperatures, one of the teams managed to reach the small girl who was trapped under piles of rubble. She is now receiving medical treatment.
Whilst enroute to Haiti, the UK team had been diverted to Santa Domingo in the Dominican Republic because the airport in Porto-au-Prince had been unable to cope with the volume of rescuers and aid trying to land.
Station Manager St John Stanley, leading the West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service team, said the delays in getting to Porto-au-Prince had been frustrating but added the crews had been professional enough to turn that frustration into a determination to save as many lives as possible.
The rescue came on the first full day of the deployment of the UK team, despatched to Haiti as part of the Department for International Development’s emergency response to the earthquake.
Chief Fire Officer Mike Thomas from Lincolnshire is in Haiti as part of the UK rescue team. He said, "This is a real boost to us all. This is what we do the job for. The conditions are pretty dire. The local people have no food and water and are suffering in more ways than one."
International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander said: "This is fantastic news. I know that everyone in Britain will share my pride at the vital and dangerous work being carried out by these brave firefighters in Haiti's hour of need. They are truly inspirational."
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Date Added: Jan 15th 3:40pm
UPDATE ON WEST SUSSEX FIREFIGHTERS IN HAITI EARTHQUAKE RESPONSE
The UK firefighters and equipment began to arrive in Haiti yesterday (Thursday 14th). Their original plane that set of for Haiti from Gatwick on Wednesday 13th was diverted to Santa Domingo airport in neighbouring Dominican Republic due to the damaged infrastructure at Porto-au-Prince airport.
It was unsafe to land at night due to power supply problems for landing lights, and the control tower was badly damaged in the earthquake.
All equipment was off-loaded at Santa Domingo and teams have been shuttled in to Porto-au-Prince on smaller aircraft. The initial party of 19 on the first plane included two search teams, dogs and one of the West Sussex firefighters to set up the initial base of operations.
All remaining teams and equipment at Santa Domingo were scheduled to leave for Porto-au-Prince by 0730 local time (1230 UK time).
Further updates will be issued on their progress. Local media are asked not to contact the rescue team direct, but please contact the West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service media team.
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Jan 14th 7am
WEST SUSSEX FIREFIGHTERS SET FOR HAITI EARTHQUAKE MISSION
A team of specially trained West Sussex firefighters are preparing to fly to Haiti and help rescue victims of the earthquake that struck the island last night.
The Haiti government has appealed for international help after an earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale struck the island. Initial reports suggest hundreds of people have been killed, with thousands more injured or made homeless.
The firefighters will be part of the UK Governments response, and they should be joined by Doctors and medical staff, plus colleagues from other Fire & Rescue Services including Kent, West Midlands, Manchester, Lincolnshire, Hampshire, Lancashire and Leicestershire.
They are rendezvousing at Horley Fire Station, and hope to fly from Gatwick on a flight being organised by DFID, the Government Dept for International Development.
The six West Sussex firefighters are from the county’s Technical Rescue Unit, and are based at Horley Fire Station, but live across the County. They are
St John Stanley (Billingshurst)
Chris Kemp (Horsham)
Mick Lewin (Billingshurst)
Brian Vincent (Worthing)
Peter Thorpe-Hinks (Steyning)
Rob Negus (Hove)
The team is equipped to respond to disasters at home or abroad such as hurricanes, earthquakes, floods and collapsed buildings. The TRU team was also sent to help the Indonesian earthquake in October.
Their equipment is used to locate trapped casualties and remove them to safety using cutting and shoring up techniques. The duration of the humanitarian mission is unknown but could last up to 14 days.
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Date Added: 11th January
Water Pipes
Burst pipe? Call a plumber not 999, says West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service
West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to call a plumber rather than the emergency services if their water pipes burst during the icy weather conditions.
With further snowfall expected in parts of the county, WSF&RS has today issued a reminder that emergency calls for police, fire and ambulance services should be made in genuine emergency situations only.
Inconvenience and damage as a result of burst pipes is a real possibility, as icy winds force temperatures lower. When pipes do burst, residents are urged to call a plumber or tradesman rather than the emergency services - providing their life is not in danger. But if electrical appliances are involved and the situation is at all risky, the advice is to call 999.
Jackie Boyle, Community Fire & Road Safety Officer at West Sussex Fire and Rescue, said:
"The challenging weather conditions are placing extra demands upon all of the emergency services and people can do their bit to help us, and their own communities, by dialling 999 only in an genuine emergency.
“Burst pipes happen when freezing temperatures cause the ground in which the water mains are buried to move, putting pressure on the pipes and fracturing them. It’s crucial that people know where their stopcock is, and that they try it to make sure it hasn’t seized up. You should find this under the kitchen sink, or where the service pipe enters your home. If a pipe bursts, turn off the stopcock and central heating boiler and call a plumber.
“Inevitably, problems will also occur when the thaw begins so we urge people to make regular checks on their home when temperatures start to rise again. That way any leaks can be spotted early and stopped, as frozen water in undetected burst pipes starts to thaw. Prevention is far better than cure though, and taking just a few simple steps will significantly reduce the risk of frozen and burst pipes within the home. Consider looking up the contact numbers of plumbers and electricians so you have them available in an emergency ”
West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service offers the following advice to keep your home's water supply running smoothly and help prevent your pipes from freezing:
· Lag pipes in exposed or draughty places
· Make sure that all taps are turned off properly, especially last thing at night
· Become familiar with your water supply system now and find the main stopcock that turns off the water supply to your propert
“We don't want to deter people from dialling 999 if they feel there is a risk to life as a result of flooding water damaging electrics. But they ought to be aware of where their own fuse box is, so they can make themselves safe by shutting off the electrical power supply,” added Jackie
For further advice, residents should contact a qualified plumber or electrician.
Consider sourcing plumbers or electricians through a company such as checkatrade or the WSCC "buy with confidence" directory
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Date Added: 8th January
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, in addition to providing their normal emergency service, have been out and about in West Sussex helping to support the well-being of the more vulnerable members of the community.
Firefighters from Chichester and Haywards Heath have been rolling up their sleeves and brandishing their shovels at local hospitals - St. Richards and the Princess Royal – helping to clear essential pathways for patients and visitors.
Fighfighters in Haywards Heath have also been assisting the local WRVS to maintain its Meals On Wheels service, transporting workers in Fire Service Super ‘G’ 4x4s at the same time taking the opportunity to offer fire safety advice to residents in their homes during the extreme weather.
The Fire Service’s Technical Rescue Unit, have also been out and about – after localised power cuts in Lancing, members of the TRU have been door knocking in the local area, again offering informal home fire safety advice and fitting smoke alarms where needed.
WSF&RS are also urging walkers to avoid icy ponds and waterways and keep close control over their pets after a dog fell through the ice into Mill Pond in Crawley yesterday.
