Community Safety Update CFA Report€¦ · Harrogate 141 132 178 184 Hambleton 44 65 75 89 Ryedale 34 26 54 41 Richmondshire ... targeted to change knowledge, attitudes and ultimately

NORTH YORKSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE AUTHORITY

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Report of the Assistant Chief Fire Officer (Operations)

21st June 2017

COMMUNITY SAFETY UPDATE

1.0 Purpose of Report 1.1 To update Members on Community Safety and Service Delivery activities for the period 1st January 2017 to 31th March 2017. 2.0 Introduction 2.1 This report provides an update on community safety, fire safety and operational activity.

Service Delivery is organised around prevention, protection and response services, the focus being to deliver a service which best supports the Authority’s vision and corporate plan.

3.0 Prevention

3.1 Summary of Prevention Activity 3.1.1 The table below provides a headline summary of prevention activities for the last two

quarters.

All Districts Jan–Mar 2017

Jan–Mar 2016

Oct-Dec 2016

Oct–Dec 2015

Smoke Detectors Fitted 835 916 930 921 Home Fire Risk Checks 594 754 617 740 Fire Setter Referrals 9 13 16 21 Community Safety Events

373 472 407 449

Vulnerable Referrals 43 59 64 39 3.1.2 A breakdown of community safety activity at a district level for smoke alarm fitting and

home fire risk checks is shown in the following table. It is important to note that community safety activities are driven by risk information and intelligence as opposed to targets and volume. This risk based approach ensures the best use of resources in delivering prevention activity. Given the broad range of community safety activities undertaken by the Service, the level of activity varies according to local risk and is balanced between prevention activities, essential training and preparedness for emergency response. Breakdown by District - Reporting Period January - March 2017

District Home Fire Risk Checks Smoke Detectors Fitted

Jan-Mar Oct-Dec Jan-Mar Oct-Dec

Craven 68 74 105 144 City of York 115 94 170 153 Harrogate 141 132 178 184 Hambleton 44 65 75 89 Ryedale 34 26 54 41 Richmondshire 22 37 27 52 Scarborough 113 138 151 197 Selby 57 51 75 70 Total 594 617 835 930

ITEM 14


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3.2 Vulnerable People

3.2.1 The Service has progressed 43 referrals for vulnerable people over the last quarter through the Vulnerable Persons’ Intervention Partnership (VIP). This work was carried out in conjunction with North Yorkshire County Council (Health and Adult Services and Trading Standards) and North Yorkshire Police (NYP).

3.2.2 There have been 9 referrals through the fire setter’s scheme in this quarter. An example

of a referral for this quarter is detailed below:

i. A joint referral has been made by fire, police and housing in relation to an individual who had been setting fires within the home. It had been discovered that a number of small fires had been set in numerous locations within a flat. The Service worked with our partners to deliver specific education around the consequences of the person’s actions, to them, their family and the flats above and below. No further incidents have been reported since our last visit to this person.

3.2.3 Four new Community Safety Officers (CSO’s) have joined the team to replace those who

have temporarily moved onto the Operational Staffing Reserve (OSR). The new staff will be based in Harrogate, Skipton, Malton and Northallerton.

3.2.4 When carrying out home fire risk checks, CSO’s make referrals to other agencies where

necessary, the majority being for the elderly, particularly those with mobility issues. Information, recommendations and actions taken are relayed to the referring agency and shared with relevant partners.

3.2.5 Work is progressing on the introduction of new ‘Safe and Well’ visits which will cover health aspects as well as fire safety. All CSO’s have now received ‘Make Every Contact Count’ training. A new safety check list and information booklet is being produced which people will receive after each visit. The initiative is expected to be launched in the summer.

3.2.6 Two portable misting systems have been purchased by the Service. These are designed

to be deployed into the homes of vulnerable persons who are at a very high risk of injury due to fires in the home. The portable misting systems are intended to provide initial suppression of a fire until fire crews arrive on scene. The systems are installed as a short term measure until a multi-agency strategy is developed to provide more long term control measures.

3.3 Youth Engagement 3.3.1 The BTEC Level 2 Certificate is awarded through the Young Firefighters scheme, it is

accredited through Edexcel. The course is delivered by operational staff who teach problem solving, communications, team work, fire safety and general risk awareness. The programme is designed to encourage students and young people who are becoming disengaged or struggling in main stream education.

3.3.2 Courses are running at Selby, Skipton, Grassington, Bentham and Northallerton. A

review of the scheme is in progress to identify how the instructor ratios can be maintained in the future. Stokesley School are to restart the BTEC course with their Year 10 students in 2017 planning for this is currently underway.

3.3.3 Five further Local Intervention Fire Education (LIFE) schemes are planned during

2017/18. This has been made possible due to a successful grant application to the Police and Crime Commissioner ‘Community Fund’, for £24,000. Candidates will be allocated onto the courses through the local Community Safety Hubs. This will allow the candidates with the most need to be identified. The LIFE Courses for 2017/18 are as follows:


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8th – 12th May 2017 Skipton 10th – 14th July 2017 Selby 25th – 29th September 2017 Huntington 13th – 17th November 2017 Scarborough TA centre 22nd – 26th January 2018 Colburn 5th – 9th March 2018 Harrogate

3.3.4 CSOs designed a day of education and practical skills for the Princes Trust to assist with a group of young people developing team work and increase awareness of anti-social behaviour. The intervention received excellent feedback and it is hoped this can be developed further in the future.

3.4 Road Safety

3.4.1 The CSO’s have attended a Behavioural Change course provided by Road Safety GB,

which will help them to design bespoke interventions that ensure education can be targeted to change knowledge, attitudes and ultimately behaviour. The course identified areas where it is more appropriate and effective to highlight positive behaviours rather than illustrating some of the negative effects of collisions.

3.4.2 There were 9 ‘Biker Down’ courses successfully delivered by the Service in March

following the trial last year. Dedicated instructors teach motorcyclists what to do if a fellow rider has a crash. They explore scene management, casualty care and the science of being seen.

3.5 Serious and Organised Crime (SOC)

3.5.1 Prevention staff now attend the newly formed SOC Board. Discussions are ongoing to explore how the Service can increase staff awareness in this area and develop further links with the police. A fraud awareness training course is being considered for the CSO’s who are ideally placed to identify vulnerable people who may be susceptible to fraud.

4.0 Protection

4.1 A summary of legislative fire safety audits carried out for the period 1st January– 31st March is shown in the following table.

Jan–Mar 2017

Jan–Mar 2016

Oct–Dec 2016

Oct-Dec 2015

Legislative hours completed by specialist officers 2824 2215 2019 1986

Legislative hours completed by operational crews 571 557 442 495

Total legislative fire safety hours completed 3395 2772 2461 2481

Audits undertaken by specialist officers 370 292 274 286

Audits undertaken by operational crews 223 192 200 190

Total fire safety audits undertaken 593 484 474 476


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4.1.1 The Service uses a risk based audit schedule to undertake audits of commercial premises. In addition to this, audits will be carried out following: Notification of a fire incident in a premises covered by the Regulatory Reform Order. Notification from operational personnel of a serious risk to persons due to the lack of

fire protection measures within a premises Receipt of a fire safety complaint. Audits may, where appropriate, be carried out following:

An application for a new license under other statutory regulations. Receipt of Building Regulations Completion Certificates/Final Notices.

4.1.2 The focus of the audit is to educate and give guidance to the responsible person at the

premises and only where necessary, enforcement options are considered. During the reporting period 357 building consultations were undertaken by Technical Fire Safety (TFS) staff.

4.1.3 For a number of years the Service has undertaken business engagement (BE) events. The Service has offered training, information and advice sessions to small groups of business owners and operators. During 2017/18 the Service will be forging links and working relationships with trade type organisations to deliver simple bulletin style fire safety messages. This should increase the likelihood of harder to reach individuals hearing or seeing one or more key fire safety messages. A series of revised key fire safety messages are to be delivered to groups during 2017/18. The themes of the messages will include: Fire Risk Assessment reminder Fire doors – to coincide with fire door week (PPRS calendar) Testing and maintenance of equipment Housekeeping Electrical Safety Risk of Arson Vulnerable people Staff training Evacuation National or local fire safety interest items e.g. any prosecutions

The target groups for 2017/18 include; Landlords of flats Landlords and operators of student accommodation Licenced premises Hotels, B&B’s, holiday lets, hostels Residential care home providers Landlords and operators of specialised housing facilities

4.1.4 Following the tragic events at the New Grange Care Home in Cheshunt, the Service have

reminded independent care home providers in North Yorkshire of the importance of being able to evacuate residents should this be required in extreme circumstances. A guidance note has been produced to reinforce this message. Links made with the Independent Care Group has enabled this important message to be sent to the independent care home providers operating in North Yorkshire.

4.2 Fire Safety Enforcement Activity 4.2.1 Under the Regulatory Reform Order (RRO) there are three relevant notice types:

An alterations notice - notification that the premises constitutes, or may constitute, a risk if an alteration is made to them or the use to which they are put. Where a notice has been served the responsible person must notify the enforcing authority of any proposed changes.


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An enforcement notice – notification of a failure to comply with any provision of the Fire Safety Order 2005 or of any regulations made under it.

A prohibition notice – notification that use of premises involves or will involve a risk to persons so serious that use of the premises needs to be prohibited or restricted.

4.2.2 Enforcement activity undertaken by NYFRS under the RRO between 1stJanaury 2017–

31th March 2017 is shown in the table below.

Jan-Mar 17 Oct-Dec 16

Statutory Alterations Notices 0 0 Statutory Enforcement Notices 3 5 Statutory Prohibition Notices 2 2

4.2.3 The range of enforcement and prohibition activity is shown below:

In December a prohibition was served preventing customers sleeping at a hotel in Scarborough, when the fire alarm system was found not to be working. The prohibition was lifted two days later when the fire alarm was serviced and certificated. An enforcement notice for further issues remains in place with a required completion date in January 2017; a compliance audit has been carried out. A formal investigation has been undertaken and the report will be presented at a public interest test board which will consider whether a prosecution case should be pursued.

In January an enforcement notice was served on two people responsible for fire

safety at a takeaway restaurant in Selby. The notice was complied with within 28 days.

In March a prohibition notice was served at a take away in the Selby District. A

number of serious fire safety deficiencies were found following a complaint. The most serious matters being that there was no fire detection or a fire alarm system within the building. People were sleeping in rooms above the kitchen area. Access and egress for the upper floors was only available via a loft ladder. In the event of a fire there was a risk to life of death or serious injury.

In March both prohibition and enforcement notices were served at a Hotel in York

following a complaint about the fire alarm and detection system not functioning.

In March an enforcement notice was served on two people responsible for fire safety at a hotel in York. Fire safety deficiencies were found which had previously been pointed out to the same responsible persons during an audit inspection a number of years ago.

4.2.4 Three fire safety investigations into alleged breaches against the Regulatory Reform (Fire

Safety) Order 2005 are ongoing. 4.3 Fire Investigation 4.3.1 The specialist fire investigation team have recorded 17 investigations within North

Yorkshire in the reporting period. A total of 111 hours were recorded to fire investigation activity by the fire investigation team.

4.4 Prosecutions and Court appearances

4.4.1 A prosecution case file has been submitted to legal services for issue of a summons. This follows an investigation into possible breaches against the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The case is against a landlord and follows an investigation triggered by a fire incident which occurred in the common area of flats in York in September 2016.


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5.0 Response and Resilience 5.1 Fire Cover Review Implementation (FCRI) 5.1.1 On the 16th January 2017 the first Tactical Response Vehicle (TRV) started responding to

incidents from Scarborough fire station, this initial deployment was followed by Tadcaster and Northallerton respectively. The Response and Resilience section worked in partnership with the Transport section to facilitate the final preparation of the vehicles and equipment and the transition between the existing appliances and the TRV.

5.1.2 During the familiarisation phase of TRV use, staff at respective locations identified a

number of items and arrangements which would contribute to a more effective level of response. These included the request for a high capacity ground monitor, which would be used to project water onto a fire with fewer staff. A low level strainer was also identified as useful for use in pumping operations at flooding incidents. This equipment is now provided on all TRVs.

5.1.3 The section is currently in the process of scoping equipment required to deal with large

animal rescues, to be carried on TRV stations. Training for staff is also being planned with our regional partners

5.2 Special appliance replacement programme 5.2.1 The Response and Resilience section have started the process of specification, tender

and subsequent manufacture of two incident support units (ISU) which will be located at Ripon and Tadcaster, replacing the existing vehicles.

5.2.2 Initial contact has been made with staff at Malton station to gather information about how

their ISU performs in terms of operational response and where improvements can be made or what is recognised as beneficial for the future vehicle.

5.2.3 The section represents the Service at meetings with our regional fire service partners.

These meetings consider reviews to include shared resources such as the incident command unit (ICU) and aerial appliances.

6.0 Communications and Media Update

6.1 Between January and March 2017 the Service issued media information on the following key messages:

Budget Proposals Views Sought Potential Tidal Surge Flooding warning Register my Appliance Day (19th January) Tactical Response Vehicles at Northallerton and Tadcaster become operational Health Consultation Launch Smoke Alarm fitting Training Exercise undertaken in Scarborough

6.2 The Service also continues to promote key safety messages and incident information through social media. During the reporting period the Service issued over 670 tweets which earned 1.3million impressions (views) and over 55 Facebook posts.

6.3 The Service’s Facebook ‘likes’ now stand at 2,929 (and 2,894 follows) up from 2,679 at the last report and 16,991 Twitter followers up from 16,113.


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7.0 District Based Activity – Highlighted Examples

7.1 Hambleton and Richmondshire 7.1.1 Prevention Activity

7.1.2 Fire safety messages are delivered through key stage training packages at schools; this

work has also been supported by the delivery of educational presentations to other groups including:

Brompton 1st Brownies visited Northallerton fire station, and successfully covered the

required learning for their fire safety badges and watched the retained crew carry out drills.

A fire safety talk was given by the CSO to the Applegarth School after school club focusing on home safety and escape plans.

A station visit was carried out, by the community safety officer and operational crew, for the Hambleton/Richmondshire Young Carers group. Young people from across the district with caring responsibilities were taught important lessons on home safety and Home Fire Risk Check (HFRC) follow up visits were arranged by the CSO.

A fire safety talk was given to the Children’s outreach group at Thirsk. The group teaches life skills to 12 young people from the Thirsk area under North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) children’s services. A similar event is planned for the Easingwold group.

2 ‘Safety Carousel’ days were held in Hambleton and Richmondshire this month with community safety officers attending both sessions to deliver lessons on Arson and Consequences to year 8 students from Wensleydale and Northallerton Schools. The activity was carried out with North Yorkshire Police, Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS) and Youth Justice.

A road safety presentation was delivered to members of Great Smeaton Young Farmers Club at Northallerton station. A large group of ‘target age’ young drivers attended and a note of thanks was included in local press following their visit.

7.1.3 A survey to identify the extent of drivers using mobile phones was completed outside

Broomfield School by the CSO and NYCC Travel Awareness. There were 4 drivers seen using mobile phones whilst on the ‘school run’. A follow up letter is being prepared to give information on both the dangers and new penalties of mobile phone use, whilst driving.

7.1.4 The CSO attended a course along with Trading Standards to help identify and support potential Scam victims and protect those at risk of becoming victims through awareness and education.

7.1.5 A LIFE course was held in Colburn with 9 young people aged 12-17 from Hambleton &

Richmondshire attending. The course was successful with the attendees learning about discipline, structure, personal responsibility and teamwork.

7.1.6 Response Activity 7.1.7 On the morning of Saturday 19th March 2017 ‘Exercise Lidl Deep Clean’ took place at

the old Co-op Supermarket in Richmond. Crews from Richmond, Northallerton, Leyburn, Reeth, Bedale, and Hawes attended the incident. The exercise was aimed at testing the capability to deal with a radiation type incident and the scenario was surrounding terrorists planting a ‘Dirty Bomb’ inside the old Co-op supermarket. The exercise involved the use of the Services radiation simulation training equipment. .

7.1.8 A series of smaller scale exercises have also been carried out across the district by

whole-time and RDS crews during this reporting period. The training exercises test the skills and knowledge of operational staff at all levels in dealing with incidents such as; fires, road traffic collisions and incidents involving hazardous materials.


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7.2 Harrogate and Craven 7.2.1 Prevention Activity 7.2.2 Work continues through interaction with other agencies in order to maximise the

opportunities to deliver support to vulnerable people. The Harrogate CSO attends weekly meetings at the Harrogate District Community Safety Hub at which medium to high risk cases are discussed and information is exchanged in order to ensure that the correct type and level of support is provided by the appropriate agencies. The Craven District CSO also undertakes regular interaction and engagement with the Community Safety team to achieve similar outcomes.

7.2.3 Safety talks have been provided across a broad range of audiences, focussing on

specific themes dependent upon the needs of the audiences, for example: Cooking and electrical fire safety for residents of sheltered housing premises in

Masham, Harrogate, Knaresborough Fire setter talks to teenagers from Harrogate, Ripon and Boroughbridge as part of a

court order requiring them to undertake this Fire safety advice for an elderly group with mobility issues in Ripon Fire safety advice to adults with visual impairments in Harrogate, giving advice on

escape plans and night time routines Women’s Institute talks in the Craven District.

7.2.4 We continue to integrate with, and develop young people in the community by providing

careers talks with teenagers in conjunction with the Police. There are also a number of Young Firefighter schemes running across a range of stations within both Harrogate and Craven districts, with the history of these showing that a number of young firefighters often progress to becoming a Retained Duty System Firefighter once they are old enough.

7.2.5 A Local Intervention Fire Education (LIFE) Course was undertaken at Harrogate Fire

Station from 13th to the 17th March. For the first time, referrals were received from the Community Safety Hub, ensuring that individuals identified through the hub as requiring additional support were able to attend the course.

7.2.6 A Crucial Crew event was held within the Craven District at Eshton Grange from 27th

March to the 4th April. The majority of local schools partake in these multi-agency events, resulting in hundreds of Key Stage 2 students receiving a range of safety education delivered by a range of partners.

7.2.7 The use of social media by the CSOs is proving effective to deliver key safety messages.

The Craven CSO’s number of followers has increased to 281, and the Harrogate CSO’s has increased to 255.

7.2.8 Response Activity 7.2.9 Operational staff at Harrogate undertook specific training ready for the implementation of

the TRV at Harrogate station. The training included practical sessions at the Incident Command Training Suite and at Training Centre, along with theoretical sessions using the Service’s web based training system. Staff at Ripon station are about to embark upon the same training programme in preparation for the TRV entering operational use there in September. RDS units which neighbour and/or support these TRV locations also receive training to familiarise RDS staff with the new vehicles and the equipment they carry.

7.2.10 Several small training events have taken place in this reporting period, with a continued

focus on breathing apparatus procedures. Two larger exercises were held: in Harrogate, the Hydro Pool was used to simulate a fire in a basement requiring the rescue of people from it; and at Summerbridge, a large disused mill was used to simulate a fire in a factory building, again requiring the rescue of casualties.


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7.3 Scarborough and Ryedale 7.3.1 Prevention Activity 7.3.2 Operational crews from Scarborough and the CSO worked with partners within the

Community Impact Team and responded to community concerns after residents highlighted a number of nuisance fires being set in the Edgehill and Hinderwell Road area. The crews responded quickly with home safety checks being undertaken and 12 smoke detectors fitted. Further work with Yorkshire Coast Homes is being planned within the area.

7.3.3 Work is ongoing at two properties after crews were called to two incidents where

vulnerability issues were a concern. Adult and Children’s Service’s and other health agencies are also assisting in alleviating the vulnerability issues highlighted.

7.3.4 Malton fire fighters completed a ‘consequences of inappropriate driving’ education session with a young male driver after he was referred by his partner as she had concerns about his driving due to driving offences. She had recently experienced a road safety education event. Crews used the opportunity to simulate a Road Traffic Collision (RTC) and went through several videos showing the aftermath of a RTC and the human consequences on both families and emergency service personnel.

7.3.5 On the 24th and 27th March the CSO and fire fighters worked with colleagues from the

95Alive partnership and delivered a Drive Alive-younger driver session at Caedmon School and Malton College respectively, aimed at passenger power, mobile phone use and the consequences of distraction and speed. These are sometimes referred to as the ‘Fatal Four’.

7.3.6 For a second year running, ‘Biker Down’ was delivered at Malton fire station on the 26th

March. Trainers presented information on scene safety, first aid and biker visibility. The courses have received fantastic feedback from all delegates and future funding is to be made available to continue with the programme.

7.3.7 A Europe-wide campaign regarding seat belts, coordinated by TISPOL, the European

Traffic Police Network took place in March. The CSO and 95Alive partners carried out an educational session outside East Whitby School, Whitby. Advice was given to drivers on the correct child car seat choice and fitting and information about the law with regards seat belt use. Leaflets were also given to the school for distribution.

7.3.8 Response Activity 7.3.9 Filey personnel have been refreshed on Arial Ladder Platform (ALP) emergency

response driving, so they can continue to add resilience to the service when the ALP is required at operational incidents when the Scarborough crews are already at the scene. This procedure was tested successfully at a district exercise on the 25 March 2017.

7.3.10 On the morning of Saturday the 25th March 2017, ‘Exercise Iceberg’ took place at Marine Drive, Scarborough. Crews from Scarborough, Filey and Robin Hood’s Bay were accompanied by The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to simulate a water rescue incident utilising Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Principles (JESIP). MCA initially set up equipment to stabilise the casualties whilst the fire crews set up the Aerial Ladder Platform and Gotcha equipment to lift the stranded casualties over the sea wall defences to safety. 7.3.11 The Tactical Response Vehicle (TRV) at Scarborough has attended and successfully

dealt with a range of incident type, namely false alarms, road traffic collisions, property fires and animal rescues since the go live, on 16th January 2017. There has been 276 incident responded to by TRV’s across the service. 100 have been false alarms.


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7.3.12 The Emergency First Responder (EFR) scheme attended 35 incidents between Lythe and Pickering in the last 3 months. The scheme at Helmsley is being monitored due to limited activity which is largely due to low crewing numbers.

7.3.13 A successful Retained duty System (RDS) campaign was realised with nine recruits

passing the two week safe to ride course in March. Two further candidates will be on the next course in June with work ongoing with the District WM supporting a further 23 potential candidates.

7.4 York and Selby 7.4.1 Prevention Activity 7.4.2 Through its role in the Safer York Partnership, the Service has worked with partners to

establish and lead a Water Safety Forum which held its inaugural meeting during this reporting period. The Forum has adopted the UK’s Drowning Prevention Strategy of reducing the number of deaths that occur as a result of drowning in the waterways around the City of York by 50% over the next ten years. This is an ambitious target but partners from education, the military, the Royal Lifesaving Society, the City of York Council and local colleges and universities all recognise that the risk of drowning in the City is comparable with the risk from fire and have enthusiastically signed up to working towards the key aim. The group has considered the cohorts of the population which are most at risk based on past adverse events and it clearly emerges that young people (and mostly males), resident in York, are the most vulnerable group. Based on those findings, along with our partners we will join up and co-ordinate the delivery of safety messages, using the most appropriate means to military families and all students at the colleges and universities in York.

7.4.3 Alongside that activity, our Community Safety department is developing an interactive

educational package for delivery to all primary and secondary school children in the City. Recognising the comparable risk the package will be a hybrid water and fire safety message and will be jointly delivered to primary schools by our operational staff alongside representatives from the York Rescue Boat and the secondary school package will be delivered by our Community Safety Officers. We plan to commence delivery of this initiative during the 2017-18 school years and so we will be making contact with all the primary and secondary schools in the City during the final term of 2016-17 to offer the delivery of these sessions.

7.4.4 We also continue to deliver other community safety initiatives within the District and

during this period we delivered four ‘Drive Wise’ road safety sessions at secondary schools. This targets young adults at a point in their lives just before they are of an age to access driving lessons. Awareness of the responsibilities that sit alongside the rewards of being in sole charge of a vehicle is the focus.

7.4.5 Alongside the Service’s refreshed recognition of how an individual’s health issues make

them more at risk from the impact of fire we have continued to take opportunities to access these groups. For example, we have been holding regular drop in sessions at a Dementia Café in York where we have been able to deliver fire safety advice to both carers and dementia sufferers. Similarly we continue to hold drop in sessions at the Arclight Centre where we can reach, educate and influence individuals with an alcohol dependency.

7.4.6 Response Activity 7.4.7 Following the introduction of the TRV at Tadcaster the crews there have attended a

variety of incidents with the vehicle with both a crew of 3 and 4 staff with no significant issues. The staff are being upskilled to enable them to deal with incidents that involve the rescue of large animals.


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7.4.8 The District Based Watch Manager which was introduced as part of the Fire Cover Review has taken up that role within the District and has had an immediately successful impact in the area of retained recruitment. As a result we have new trainee on-call firefighters that have commenced operational duties at Tadcaster and Selby and will have trainees from Acomb and Huntington on the initial on-call training courses that will run during June and July of this year. However, recruitment of on-call firefighters continues to be problematic within the District, therefore will remain a key point of focus over the coming year.

7.4.9 There were several small exercises held within the District during this period involving

decontamination of crews and the public. The Incident Response Unit based at Acomb, and breathing apparatus were tested as part of these exercises.

7.4.10 Planning is underway to host the Service’s 2017 main exercise in the York area. This will

be based on the large scale deployment of breathing apparatus at a multi storey building. The theme of the exercise has been selected following a review of this type of incident that has taken place nationally with adverse outcomes.

8.0 Sample of Notable Incidents 8.1 Hambleton and Richmondshire

Date: 08/01/2017 Location: A19 RTC: This incident involved two vehicles with two persons in one van which were trapped due to vehicle being in a hedge. Both persons were released by fire crew and checked over on the scene by paramedics. Crews used hydraulic spreaders to open the van and reciprocating saw to cut hedge.

Date: 09/01/2017 Location: Thornton le Moor RTC Fatality: RTC involving two vehicles with one casualty released by crew using hydraulic cutting gear. One casualty was out of the vehicle before fire service arrived and unfortunately declared fatal at scene.

Date: 13/01/2017 Location: Boltby RTC: This road traffic incident involved a single vehicle the driver had lost control on ice and overturned the vehicle in woods down an embankment by the side of the road. The driver was out of the vehicle upon arrival the crews assisted one passenger trapped inside, they removed the side of vehicle and extracted the casualty and assisted with the transfer to air ambulance. Hydraulic cutting gear, stabilisation equipment, IEC kit and vehicle winch were used by the crews.

Date: 19/01/2017 Location: Northallerton RTC: RTC involving two stationary vehicles, one person who was attempting to enter vehicle and another vehicle reversing out of a car park space. Vehicle reversed out of control into person trapping them in the middle of three vehicles. Crews used blocks to stabilise vehicle and manpower to move two other vehicles out of the way.


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Date: 20/01/2017 Location: Swainby RTC: This road traffic collision involved two vehicles the driver of one vehicle was extracted by fire crew using hydraulic cutting gear via the driver’s door and then passed on to ambulance crew. Crews used hydraulic cutting gear, lighting and hand tools.

Date: 31/01/2017 Location: Northallerton RTC Fatality: RTC involving an HGV and a pedestrian, the crews assisted the ambulance crew with manpower and the patient was transported to hospital with severe injuries. Update from the police was that the casualty was unfortunately pronounced fatal after being transported to hospital.

Date: 02/03/2017 Location: A19, Thormanby RTC Fatality: This road traffic incident involved a HGV and a car. The driver of the HGV was not trapped and was in the paramedics car on arrival believed to be suffering minor injuries. Driver of vehicle was unfortunately pronounced fatal on scene by air ambulance doctor. Crews extricated driver from vehicle under the supervision of police. Crews used 1 HR, hydraulic cutting hear, spreaders and rams, short extension ladder, tirfor wince, reciprocating saw, blocks, chocks and sharps.

8.2 Harrogate and Craven Area

Date: 01/01/2017 Location: Carnforth Water Rescue: The water rescue involved a casualty falling from height from a footpath into river and was swept downstream. Person was on river bank on arrival of crew suffering from head and chest injuries and hypothermia. Crew administered first aid and assisted in transferring casualty to air ambulance.

Date: 03/01/2017 Location: Blubberhouses RTC: Two vehicle RTC with the driver of one of the vehicles suffered injuries. Crews removed Roof to extract driver who was taken to hospital via road ambulance. Cutting gear used.

Date: 11/01/2017 Location: Skipton Persons Trapped: Casualty crushed under a cardboard pressing and packaging machine. Crews isolated power and chocked up mechanism. They administered first aid to the patient until the arrival of an ambulance, and then assisted paramedics with handling and transfer. Date: 19/01/2017 Location: Great Ouseburn Fire: Barn fire approx. 30m x 20m. The fire started inside JCB which was inside the barn at the time of the call but was removed to the open by the time of the first attendance by the owner. The fire spread to approx. 20 bales which were inside the barn. Cause is believed to have been the electrical fault on the JCB. Total damage to the barn was mainly superficial to the structure and the skylights. Crews used small tools, pitch forks, breathing apparatus and hosereel jets and water supplies were augmented by the water bowser from Tadcaster.


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Date: 22/01/2017 Location: Norwood RTC: Four vehicle RTC, one person trapped and extracted by Menwith Hill Crew. Fire crew removed door to assist ambulance in another vehicle, three people taken to hospital, two for precautionary check and one for further treatment for non-life threatening injuries.

Date: 04/03/2017 Location: Ripon Water rescue: Incident involving persons trapped in vehicle after driving into a ford whilst the river was swollen. Crews winched the car to safety to release occupants. Water rescue gear and winch were used.

Date: 10/03/2017 Location: Carnforth Fire: Fire to an LGV service logistics building. Extensive fire damage was caused to the building which included vehicles and a large amount of machinery. Acetylene cylinders were involved. Breathing apparatus, large jets and a specialist appliance from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (used a hydraulically controlled lance to pierce the building and introduce water) were used.

Date: 23/03/2017 Location: Ripon Water rescue: Van attempted to cross a ford in flood. One person self-evacuated leaving one other person in van. Fire crews donned water rescue equipment and led the person to safety.

Date: 23/03/2017 Location: Skipton Water rescue: Vehicle in floodwater, two persons were led to safety from one foot of water by fire crews using life jackets, waders and wading poles.

8.3 Scarborough and Ryedale Area

Date: 03/01/2017 Location: Uggthorpe RTC: Two vehicle RTC, the driver of one of the vehicles was trapped due to injuries. Crews extracted driver after completing full roof removal. Crews used hydraulic cutting equipment, chocks, blocks, small tools and lighting. Driver taken to hospital via road ambulance.

Date: 09/01/2017 Location: Scarborough Fire: Fire in residential flat above commercial properties. Duvet was on fire which was confined to living room causing 20% fire damage to the living room and halls on the first and second floor suffered 50% smoke damage. One occupant was out on arrival.

Date: 01/02/2017 Location: Scarborough Residential Fire: Incident involved fire in 1st floor bedsit in a 3 storey block which resulted in fire and heat damage to curtains and carpet. Smoke damage to remainder of bedsit. Smoke detectors fitted, activated and raised alarm. 2 BA, 1HR, PPV fan, TIC and door enforcer used.


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Date: 01/02/2017 Location: Pickering Animal Rescue: Incident involved flooding in large piggery containing approx 900 pigs. Crews pumped away water and assisted farmer in moving pigs to an evacuation pen. Crews also freed debris from drainage channels. 2 main pumps, 3 LPP, lengths of hose and small tools used.

Date: 11/02/2017 Location: Scrayingham RTC: Two vehicle RTC, with three persons trapped by injuries. Crews prepared extrication through roof removal for occupant of one vehicle. Crews also created space for driver and occupant of other vehicle also to be extricated through the boot. Hydraulic cutters, spreaders, small tools, blocks, chocks, O2,IEC kit, lighting, reciprocating saw and sharps covers used.

Date: 16/03/2017 Location: Griff Farm, Helmsley Fire: Fire to stone barn of approx. 100m x 20m with majority of construction involved in fire. A small gas cylinder was within the fire. 4BA and 2 HRJ used.

Date: 03/03/2017 Location: A64 Musham Bank RTC: RTC involving two vehicles, one person trapped in one of the vehicles with unknown injuries. Crews performed a full roof removal and used hydraulic cutting equipment, blocks, small tools and stabilisation equipment, person then transported to hospital via road ambulance.

Date: 06/03/2017 Location: McCain International Ltd, Havers Hill, Scarborough Fire: Fire in chip production area. The on site fire suppression system activated and extinguished fire. Fire caused 100% fire damage to item ignited, no further damage caused.

Date: 14/03/2017 Location: Stepin Turn to Rosedale Head, Kirkbymoorside Special service: Person ingested a quantity of a toxic plant, they were unconscious upon arrival of ambulance and fire service, taken to hospital via road ambulance. Quantities of the toxic plant also found in a room in the premises and in the casualty’s car.

Date: 14/03/2017 Location: Malton Special service: Incident involved a person who may have committed suicide by lighting a disposable barbeque in the back of a van. Crews gained entry to van using hydraulic cutting equipment and BA. The person was unfortunately pronounced fatal upon opening the van. The crews handed the incident over to police due to the scene of crime.

Date: 15/03/2017 Location: Lingholme Lane, Scarborough Animal rescue: This animal rescue involved a horse which was unable to get up unassisted. Crews used 70ml hose, GP line, CHY rods and manpower and also equipment from the animal rescue unit. The horse was unable to be brought to its feet and the incident was left with vet.


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Date: 19/03/2017 Location: Burniston Road, Scarborough RTC: Single vehicle RTC, with two persons trapped. Crews used winch for stabilisation then used dewalt saw and cutting gear to gain access through boot. Persons trapped with injuries was left in the care of the paramedics.

Date: 04/01/2017 Location: A1237 RTC: RTC involving to vehicle with two persons trapped in one car, one with serious injuries. Both were extracted using hydraulic cutting equipment and both transported to hospital via road ambulance. Hydraulic cutting equipment, lighting and sharps protections were used.

Date: 19/01/2017 Location: York RTC: This road traffic collision involved a vehicle and a cyclist who became trapped under the front of the car. Fire crews used hydraulic spreaders and stabilisation equipment to free the cyclist.

Date: 04/02/2017 Location: York Special Service: Incident involved victim of an apparent chemical suicide in a vehicle. Deceased ingested chemicals in the form of drain cleaner and was pronounced dead on arrival of police and paramedics.

Date: 06/02/2017 Location: Long Marston RTC: Single vehicle RTC, occupant released using hydraulic cutting equipment, lighting and stabalisation equipment and left in care on ambulance crews.

Date: 3/03/2017 Location: A64, Sand Hutton Animal rescue: A horse was released that had vaulted onto a metal partition inside its horse trailer by crews using hydraulic cutting equipment and the assistance of a vet from the surgery the horse was being transported from who administered sedatives to the horse at the scene to keep it calm while crews cut it free.

Date: 04/03/2017 Location: Loch Fyne, Fossbridge House, Walmgate, York Fire: Incident involved a fire to electrical cables in a four storey property. Fire originated in cable run in the basement kitchen. Crews removed facia boards to gain access to fire site. The electrics were isolated and crews were then able to extinguish the fire.

Date: 07/03/2017 Location: Holgate Road, York Special service: Crews assisted policed with search of roof and gutters looking for a potential murder weapon.


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Date: 13/03/2017 Location: 7th Avenue, York Special service: Person believed to have committed suicide by hanging. Crews gained access to property through a window, and moved the body in order to allow paramedics access to the room.

Out of Area Incidents

Date: 05/02/2017 Location: Keighley Fire: Fire to first floor kitchen in bedsit caused by bin left on hob causing fire damage to room and smoke damage to upstairs. All persons out on arrival of crews. 2BA, 1HRJ, PPV and TIC used.

9.0 Recommendation 9.1 That Members note the report.

J. RUSHWORTH Assistant Chief Fire Officer (Operations) [email protected] Background Documents There are no background documents to this report North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters, Thurston Road, NORTHALLERTON, DL6 2ND 26th May 2017

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