Multi-agency response to chemical drama at Luton

999 teams put into practise procedures they have rehearsed when a call to the Hockwell Ring area of Luton looked as though it could be a serious chemical incident.

Police responding to a report of a possible burglary at an address in Acworth Crescent found an overwhelming smell of chemicals coming from a sealed door at the two-storey flats.

At 10am police called Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service, who are the first line of defence for such incidents, and upon arriving firefighters decided to request an expert chemical incident evaluation by a HazMat (Hazardous Materials) Officer.

The situation at Acworth Crescent, combined with background intelligence from Police, led officers in charge to fear this could be a case of “chemical suicide” - where household cleaning materials are combined to create a deadly cocktail of gasses. This are increasingly common and information is easily accessible on the internet.

As a precaution homes in the same block were evacuated - and an evacuation centre was set up nearby with the help of the St John Ambulance and other agencies. This was the minimum evacuation zone which was chosen to reduce disruption to the neighbourhood.

Chemical decontamination equipment held by BLFRS was sent to the scene (disrobe and shower units) in case they were required - and experts from the national decontamination unit were called.

Police and ambulance crews stood by.

Emergency crews in protective chemical suits went into the building at approximately 2 pm. They found a scenario similar to the “chemical suicide” but no person or body.

After making the scene safe all 999 crews left the scene at approximately 5 pm. Police were continuing to seek the occupant of the house.

Group Commander Chris Adams who is the HazMat officer said: “This had all the hallmarks of a chemical suicide. If this had been the case deadly poisons could have been in the air and would have killed anyone going in unprotected. Our first priority is to minimise the risk to the public nearby and to the First Responders so we have to take all precautions. The teamwork achieved as a result of previous rehearsals with various multi-agency partners such as Police and Ambulance worked well. And the support agencies who put together the evacuation unit were very efficient.”

Area Commander Tony Rogers: “In such cases we have to be prepared for the worst case scenario. I congratulate the team on a well thought through approach causing the minimum amount of disruption to the neighbourhood.”

Keep safe on the roads this winter

photo caption: Firefighters rescue seven times as many people from wrecked cars as they do from burning buildings

Winter car check-up at Luton Fire Station
Car owners in Luton can get a free winter car check-up on Saturday 6th November to help them prepare for possible colder weather ahead.

The Luton Borough Council's road safety team is offering this service at Luton Fire Station, in Studley Road, from 10am-3pm.

The checks that will be made include fluid levels and the condition of windscreen wipers, lights, indicators and tyres.

Drivers will also get a 'check sheet' advising them about any defects that need repair, as well as information about safer winter driving.

Cllr Dave Taylor, Portfolio Holder for road safety, said: "Our road safety officers will be on hand throughout the day to advise motorists about the importance of having regular vehicle servicing.

"Drivers may not realise, for instance, that they could end up with a hefty fine plus penalty points of up to three points per tyre if caught with illegal tread. There is even the possibility of losing your driving licence.

"More importantly, having sufficient tyre tread and correct pressures is vital for safe grip, handling and optimum braking."

The event is supported by the Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue Service.

Representatives from Autoglass will also be in attendance to offer free windscreen repair - and faulty windscreen wipers can be replaced at a cost.

For more information, please contact Luton's road safety team on 01582 54 62 63.

Fire crews stop blaze spreading from one semi to another in Luton

Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service attended a fire on October 31st, at Telscombe Way, Luton.

Station Commander Steven Allen, who was in charge at the scene, said: “The fire crews did a good job in stopping the fire spreading to the adjoining property.”

Four fire engines and the Aerial Platform were used to combat the blaze which began as a small electrical fire and spread to the roof.

Winter Warnings from Fire Service

When winter draws near so do additional dangers from fire in the home.

Bedfordshire and Luton FIre and Rescue Service is warning people to take care as the temperatures drop.

*Check your electric blanket is safe - old and worn ones should be replaced.

* Traditional open fires and more fashionable log burning fires are more popular now fuel prices are rising. Be sure to have your chimney swept before lighting up.

* Portable heaters pulled out of the cupboard in winter should be kept away from fabrics and furnishings and unplugged at night

* Power cuts - always keep a battery torch handy - and take care with candles and tea lights at ALL times

*Always have a working smoke alarm - if you cannot fit your own the Fire and Rescue Service will do it for you call 0800 043 5042

Fireworks - take care

Chief Fire Officer Paul Fuller says: “Every year somewhere in the UK people are injured by fireworks. This is the beginning of a long season for fireworks and candlelit celebrations across a range of cultures represented in Beds and Luton.

“On November 5th we recommend families go to organised displays. If you must have your own display then ALWAYS follow the Firework Code on the box.

“Injuries and upset are also caused by people misusing fireworks by letting them off in public places at inappropriate times of the day and night. They are dangerous and should be treated with caution.

“These words of warning extend to everyone using fireworks to celebrate whether it is Diwali or the later Chinese New Year.”

Christmas - celebrate with caution

Tis the season to be merry - but make sure you and your guests stay safe and well.

*Having a party? Make sure there are plenty of ashtrays inside or that people outside don’t put drop lit cigarettes in wheelie bins or on piles of wrapping paper near the back door

*Guests staying the night? Make sure everyone knows how to get out or where door keys are kept in case of fire in the night

*Lights, candles - take action ! Keep Christmas candles away from furnishings and over hanging decorations. Switch off Christmas lights at night.

*Stuck for that special gift? Buy and fit someone a smoke alarm - it could save their life.

Praying with Fire

Pic caption: The Bishop of Bedford, the Rt Revd Richard Inwood, Revd Barbara Johnson and BLFRS Chief Fire Officer Paul Fuller.

Over 100 people attended the Commissioning and Licensing ceremony for Revd Barbara Johnson as Service Chaplain for Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service at Kempston Fire Station.

The Bishop of Bedford, the Rt Revd Richard Inwood said:
“A great partnership has been established with BLFRS and we hope this will be a model for other chaplaincies.”

Chief Fire Officer Paul Fuller added:

“Barbara, on behalf of BLFRS we welcome you to the continuation and development of your role as our Service Chaplain and assure you of our full commitment and support.”

Addressing guests at the ceremony, Revd Barbara Johnson said:

“Thank you for coming this afternoon - it is wonderful to be part of your family here at BLFRS. A huge thank you for this wonderful support. It is such a joy to be here in this place with those who work to save others.”

More about the chaplaincy.....

The Reverend Barbara Johnson, retired Civil Servant and serving Church of England minister formally became the Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service's in house 'vicar' on 15th October when she was licensed as their Service Chaplain at Kempston Fire Station.

In what is believed to be a first, the Bishop of Bedford conducted the ceremony, which would normally take place in a church or chapel, emphasising Barbara's role at the heart of the fire service community.

Barbara has acted as chaplain since 2006, but this formal recognition of her role is a step forward. Barbara will be there for the fire crews and support staff in good and bad times and will even conduct weddings and baptisms with the permission of local clergy.

Barbara’s role as the co-ordinating chaplain for the organisation, means she is a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, a friend in need in the good times and the bad. She regularly visits the HQ at Kempston, the Kempston Fire Station, the Bedford Fire Station, the Northern Area Office and the offices at Mile Road. She has only one other chaplain, Reverend Sue Chapman, who visits the Luton Fire Station and Southern Area Office, but is keen to recruit further volunteer chaplains to cover the other 14stations.

She has already conducted two wedding blessings for BLFRS staff and has been asked to carry out two baptisms in the near future.

During her chaplaincy role she has conducted the BLFRS Christmas Celebration service at Woburn Parish Church, preached at the UK Firefighters' Memorial Service at St Bartholomew the Great in London, dedicated a memorial garden at Sandy Fire Station, been on the touchline at the Rugby Cup Final and represented BLFRS at a number of national events. She was recently appointed Vice Chair of the Fire and Rescue Service Chaplain's Association.

Chief Fire Officer Paul Fuller said: “BLFRS is here to serve everyone and we try to reflect all those communities within the organisation. Barbara is a Christian Chaplain but she is there for all without exception, those of all faiths and none.”

The Bishop of Bedford, the Rt Revd Richard Inwood, said: “Barbara's licensing is recognition that the Church and the Fire Service recognise the real value of her support for all the men and women who risk their lives daily or who support them in this task.”

Barbara, aged 65, worked for 37 years in personnel management in the Civil Service and in retirement took up theological studies at St John's College Nottingham, being awarded a BA in Theology in Ministry. It was during that time that she felt called to ordination to the priesthood and more particularly to ministry in the workplace. She has been a Curate at St John the Baptist Royston and an Assistant Curate at St Mary's Goldington in Bedford.

“I always felt called to ministry in the workplace. I am terrified of fire but when asked which chaplaincy I felt closest to it had to be the Fire and Rescue Service, having been visiting the Stevenage Fire Station when two fire-fighters were so tragically killed fighting a fire in a high rise block of flats. I thought 'That is where I need to be - out there where people are risking their lives to save others'.

Listening to Luton

Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service is supporting a Jobs and Opportunities Fair in Luton.

The newly refurbished Hockwell Ring Community Centre is the venue for the event on Wednesday 27th October.

This event is part of the "Your Say, Your Way" initiative with Luton Borough Council, police, health and Fire and Rescue Services, voluntary and community groups who work in partnership to enable residents to set local priorities and have their say about what goes on in the area in which they live.

Accessing the job market is seen as an important priority by the local community in Leagrave and the Jobs and Opportunities Fair will help people prepare to do just that.

The event will point people in the right direction and offer information about job opportunities, apprenticeships, business start up support, and getting back into education. There will also be experts on hand offering help with CVs, job applications and interview preparation. For those wanting to give something back to the local community, volunteer agencies will be available to answer questions.

Cllr Mohammed Ashraf, Executive Member with responsibility for the Council's Community Development Service, said: "Events such as this are very important in the current climate. Putting local people of all ages in touch with job opportunities and helping to prepare them to compete in a competitive job market is vital. Encouraging our young people to be aspirational and think positively about their future is particularly important."

The fair is free and everyone is welcome from 10am until 4pm. To
register your place or for more details, please contact Emma Hunter on 01582 556692 or Emma Purkiss on 01582 548233.

For further details on the Your Say, Your Way project, please see
www.luton.gov.uk/neighbourhood

BLFRS is looking out for Luton's heroes

Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service is among those supporting the Luton’s Best 2010 Awards.

Businesses and public sector organisations have come together in “Recognising Community Achievement”

The categories range from the Luton in Harmony Award sponsored by BP to Community Project of the Year sponsored by London Luton Airport. BLFRS is sponsoring the “Outstanding Act of Bravery” award.

Full details on www.luton.gov.uk/lutonsbestawards