A South Yorkshire recruitment campaign aims to change perceptions of women in the fire service.

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue’s ‘A Firefighter Is A Firefighter’ campaign includes a new hard-hitting video, which highlights the fact that all firefighters meet the same standards and do the same job – regardless of their gender.

At the same time the service will be publishing a fresh episode of its official podcast, Shout, featuring women from across the service.

The service hopes the campaign can inspire more women across South Yorkshire to consider a role in the fire service.

Chief Fire Officer Chris Kirby, said: “I sincerely hope that women across South Yorkshire will listen to our podcast, watch our video, and consider registering their interest in a career with us.

“It’s hugely important that our workforce represents the communities we serve. We want to be an organisation that boasts a wide range of skills and delivers a first class service to the public, and we can’t do that without employing a brilliant, diverse range of people.”

The culture of the fire and rescue service has been in the news recently, with allegations made about the conduct of a minority of staff at services across the UK.

“Having worked in the sector myself for over 20 years, it’s extremely disappointing to hear about the poor experiences some people have had working in the fire and rescue service. Whilst I am confident that the vast majority of staff in South Yorkshire are committed to our values and behaviours, we accept and acknowledge that we are part of a sector which has work to do.

“We have already taken lots of steps internally, in the wake of the recent national findings and news stories, and something that I am keen to do is stress to people across South Yorkshire that we are an inclusive and welcoming organisation to join,” said Chris.

The campaign has been launched to coincide with International Women’s Day.

Last year, South Yorkshire became the first UK fire and rescue service to produce and display a ‘Women of Fire’ exhibition – displaying a range of portrait photographs in person at the Winter Gardens in Sheffield, and online via a dedicated website.

Meanwhile the service has a rich history when it comes to supporting International Women’s Day – with its ‘Firefighter Mums’ and ‘Anyone Can Be Anything’ videos inspiring hundreds of women to register an interest in firefighting careers.

Aspiring firefighters are still able to register their interest in said careers, via the service’s website.

Residents in Rossington, Stocksbridge, Askern, Penistone, Dearne and Birley are being challenged to step up and join their local fire crew, as the county’s fire service launches another on-call firefighter recruitment drive.

New vacancies have arisen at the stations in each of these areas – with more staff needed to keep the fire engines’ wheels turning and respond to fires, floods, road traffic collisions and other emergency incidents.

Fire officers say there has never been a better time to join the service and pursue what is a childhood dream for so many people.

South Yorkshire needs you

“Our message to local people is simple – we need them!” said Station Manager Chris Tyler, who oversees the service’s on-call fire stations.

“On-call firefighters get the same training as wholetime staff, but they don’t work shifts. Instead, they carry a pager and respond from work and home when needed.

“This is one of the most unique jobs in the world as it requires a huge amount of commitment, bravery and determination.

“What we are asking is for people to consider making themselves available to respond to emergencies on top of their existing jobs and personal family commitments.

“It’s a big ask, but it’s also a huge opportunity and an exciting time to join our service. We need incredible people to fill our boots, and we know they are out there somewhere.”

“We’ve long known how valuable our on-call crews are”

Prospective on-call firefighters are required to live or work within five minutes of their local station, so they are able to get on the fire engine quickly if needed.

Calls can come in at all times of day and night – with existing staff claiming the adrenaline rush that comes with getting a call is one of the best parts of the job.

On-call crews are used right across the country to provide fire cover to more remote areas, with firefighters getting a ‘retainer fee’ for being on stand by, plus an hourly rate on top.

Last year, on-call staff were involved in battling the flurry of wildfires attended by the service during the July and August 2022 heatwaves.

Officers say that without them, the service wouldn’t be able to run.

“We’ve long known how valuable our on-call crews are, but you only have to look at the heatwaves we experienced last year to see how important they are.

“Some of our staff finished a day at work, got changed and then got on the fire engine to help deal with the unprecedented demand we faced – on the hottest day of the year.

“Their commitment is incredible and I’d encourage anyone who feels they would like a challenge to get on our website and give us their details. We’ll be in touch.”

Find out more

You can register your interest in an on-call role with South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue on the service’s website, here.

Firefighters across South Yorkshire are asking the county’s residents to not believe everything they read or hear when it comes to fire safety.

The warning, issued by South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue, comes amidst a ‘cost of living’ crisis which has seen potentially dangerous money saving ‘hacks’ being shared online.

Fire crews have also attended a number of fires locally, over the winter period, which have been started through unsafe heating practices.

The service is therefore asking people across South Yorkshire to keep fire safety at the top of their mind when they are seeking to save money.

Be vigilant around what you read online…

“We’re very aware of the cost pressures everyone is facing currently, and we’d really urge anyone who is in trouble to seek support,” said SYFR Area Manager, Matt Gillatt.

“However, we’d also like to encourage people to be sensible and safe when it comes to cutting costs – keeping fire safety at the front of their minds at all times.

“We really want people to be vigilant around the stuff they read online or on social media. There are a lot of ‘money saving hacks’ doing the rounds that really aren’t very safe.”

Some of the money saving ‘hacks’ the service is referring to include using terracotta pots, baking trays and tea light candles to create DIY room heaters.

Fire officers are also concerned that people may delay the replacement of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in order to save money.

They are keen to stress that not only is there a range of financial support available, but the service offers free home safety checks to those deemed at increased risk of fire.

“We want people to know that we are here if they need us – we offer a free online home safety assessment and then, if necessary, will come out and conduct an in-person visit.

“At this visit our crews will install free smoke alarms and offer a range of advice on how to stay safe from fire, before signposting residents to any additional support they may need.

“And if you have a neighbour, friend or relative that you feel needs our help – we can do that too. You just need to carry out the online assessment on their behalf.”

Key advice for South Yorkshire residents

The service is offering key advice to people, as part of this latest campaign, to keep safe:

• Ensure you only buy genuine electrical items from reputable suppliers
• Ensure you use the correct fuel in your log burners
• Have your chimney swept every year by a registered chimney sweep
• Ensure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home

Anyone who feels they would benefit from a home safety check can carry out the online assessment here or call 0114 253 2314.

Common fire safety myths – busted!

FICTION – Cheap, imitation phone cables are just as good as the originals 
FACT –  Electricals that are too cheap to be true usually don’t meet safety standards

FICTION – Using washing machines and tumble dryers overnight is cheaper
FACT – It’s highly likely your ‘leccy will cost the same in the day as it does at night

FICTION – You don’t need smoke alarms – you’d notice if your house was on fire
FACT – Smoke is silent – it won’t wake you up if a fire burns whilst you’re sleeping

FICTION – You can save money on your heating bills by using portable gas rings
FACT – Makeshift heating solutions can emit dangerous levels of carbon monoxide

FICTION – You can use any wood in your wood burner, even stuff from the local park
FACT – Log burner regulations state you should use smokeless, low moisture fuel

FICTION – Chimneys don’t really need sweeping – it’s just a money making scheme
FACT – Chimneys need to be clear to allow free passage of dangerous gasses

FICTION – If you live in a rented property, it is your responsibility to fit CO alarms
FACT – Not anymore! Law changes mean that this is now a landlord’s responsibility

FICTION – Using candles to light a room is cheaper than electricity
FACT – It’s very unlikely buying a candle will be cheaper than running a light bulb

Fancy an extra surprise gift this Christmas? Here’s your chance!

We are running a competition in which one lucky winner will bag themselves a £100 Amazon UK voucher.

To enter the competition, you must sign up for our smoke alarm testing reminders at pressthebutton.co.uk. This takes around 60 seconds to do.

On Friday 16 December 2022 we will draw a name at random from the list of people who have signed up for our reminders.

We’ll then contact the lucky winner and send across their voucher, just in time for the big day!

Terms and conditions

1. The competition will close on Friday 16 December at 9am
2. The competition is exclusively for South Yorkshire residents aged 18 or over
3. The winner will be chosen at random from the list of numbers and email addresses signed up for the smoke alarm reminders
4. We will contact the winner by 5pm on Friday 16 December – they will have 72 hours to accept their prize
5. Should the winner not respond within the allotted time, a new winner will be picked at random
6. The Amazon voucher – worth £100 only – will be sent via email in digital format
7. South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue takes no responsibility for what is purchased with said voucher
8. Any issues with the voucher, products or refunds must be handled through Amazon directly

Firefighters across South Yorkshire are urging people to ‘save safely’ this winter and, importantly, ensure they have working carbon monoxide and smoke alarms in their homes.

The plea comes following recent incidents across the county where residents have burned inappropriate and potentially toxic materials to warm their homes, as opposed to using their usual method of heating.

One recent case saw an occupant overcome by carbon monoxide poisoning as a result of burning coal, in a tin bucket, in their living room.

And whilst fire officers recognise the financial squeeze that lots of people are currently facing, they are asking residents to not put themselves at risk.

“We know times are tough”

“We know times are tough for lots of people right now, but the pattern we are seeing around unsafe heating in homes is concerning,” said Area Manager Matt Gillatt, head of the joint police and fire community safety department.

“Our ask is that people ensure they save safely, take extra care when it comes to using things like log burners and electric blankets, and please don’t use tin buckets or small gas cylinders to heat your homes – they aren’t safe.

“We would then strongly urge people to ensure they have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms fitted in their properties. These are life-saving devices that will give you early warning should you be at risk.”

Recent changes to the law mean that anyone in rented or council homes should be provided with a carbon monoxide detector by their landlord.

Meanwhile the fire service in South Yorkshire offers a completely free smoke alarm testing reminder service.

Residents simply have to input a phone number or email address and they will be reminded, each week, to ensure their alarms are working.

This, officers say, could potentially save a life further down the line.

“They really do save lives” 

“Smoke alarms don’t get the credit they deserve – they really do save lives. But they can only save you if they are working,” added Matt.

“By testing and dusting them regularly, you ensure they are working should you ever need them. And don’t just take our word for it, either.

“Our figures show that there have been 791 instances in the last three years where a smoke alarm has sounded and given occupants early warning of a fire in their home.

“Unfortunately, there were 430 cases where smoke alarms weren’t present or didn’t work. Needless to say, the fire damage was worse in these cases.”

You can sign up to the service’s free smoke alarm reminder service at pressthebutton.co.uk – doing so before the end of the year will see you entered into a prize draw to win a £100 Amazon gift voucher.

There is then more information on smoke alarms at www.syfire.gov.uk/smoke-alarms.

South Yorkshire’s police and fire services are urging people to be fire safe and 999 wise around Halloween and Bonfire Night this autumn.

This comes after the county’s firefighters saw an increase in call outs on Bonfire Night last year, compared to previous ‘Dark Night’ periods.

Crews were called to 96 incidents on Friday 5 November last year, compared to 80 on the same date in 2020 – an increase of 20 percent.

Many of these call outs involved bonfires that had grown out of control, and trees that had been set on fire by stray fireworks. Others involved cars and wheelie bins being set alight.

“We never aim to ruin anyone’s fun.”

“We always want people to enjoy Bonfire Night, and we never aim to ruin anyone’s fun, but it’s really important people are careful out there,” said Area Manager Matt Gillatt, head of the joint police and fire community safety department.

“This year we’re specifically asking people to stay with their bonfires, as leaving them unattended tends to end badly. We’re also asking people to ensure they are sensible in how they position their fireworks, so they are away from bushes and trees.

“Finally, we’d like to ask that people bring their bins in from off the street, and let us have any information on deliberate fire-setting that they may have.

“These details can be shared with us anonymously via our FireStoppers service – people just need to call 0800 169 5558 or visit firestoppersreport.co.uk.”

Since the start of October, police and fire staff have been doing joint patrols and visits to local schools and community centres, offering advice around Halloween and bonfire safety.

Meanwhile senior officers from South Yorkshire Police are also assuring local residents that they will be taking a no-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour this year.

“We are here for you if you need us.”

The force lead for what is known collectively as Operation Dark Nights, Chief Inspector Lee Carlson, said: “We want everybody to enjoy Halloween and Bonfire night; we know it can be an enjoyable time of the year for most people, but for some the festivities alongside the darker nights can make them feel vulnerable.

“We want you to know that whilst the majority of people will enjoy the period without any issues, the few people that do want to cause a problem will not be tolerated and our extra officers will be there to deal with them.

“Our Neighbourhood officers have already been in schools talking to young people about antisocial behaviour and the effect it can have on people living near them, as well as giving them guidance around keeping safe during dark nights.

“We hope you will all enjoy Halloween and Bonfire night and respect everybody around you. We will have officers out conducting extra patrols and we are here for you if you need us.”

The force is asking people to check who the right service is to contact about anti-social behaviour issues. Often things such as noise pollution are dealt with by local councils.

Anybody that needs the police or fire service in an emergency is still encouraged to call 999, and the police can be contacted on 101 around non-urgent issues.

You can find out more about what organisations are best to contact regards anti-social behaviour on the police’s website, here. 

Many landlords across South Yorkshire are now required to fit carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in their properties, following a change in the law.

As of Saturday 1 October 2022, The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 require CO alarms to be installed in all rented accommodation and new build properties where there is a fixed combustion appliance. This excludes gas cookers.

Both private and social sector landlords will be required to provide the alarms, and they will have a duty to repair or replace faulty alarms upon being informed of any issues.

These regulations apply specifically to homes in England, which has followed in the footsteps of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in mandating the installation of CO detectors.

Where landlords do not comply with the requirements, Local Authorities have the power to issue penalty notices and fines of up to £5,000.

“As a fire service we have seen a number of examples where people have tragically died of carbon monoxide poisoning, and we absolutely welcome these new regulations,” said Area Manager Matt Gillatt, head of South Yorkshire’s joint police and fire community safety department.

“The cost of a new carbon monoxide alarm for landlords is considerably less than the potential fine, but we hope that landlords opt to install detectors because it’s the right thing to do, not just because of the potential financial penalty.”

Carbon monoxide alarms alert households to dangerous levels of exposure to what is known as the silent killer.

The poisonous gas forms when carbon-based fuels are burnt. Examples within a typical home include fires, stoves and gas appliances (such as boilers).

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are headaches, dizziness, feeling sick, being sick, feeling weak or having chest and muscle pain. Excessive amounts of the gas can come from appliances that aren’t installed properly, are faulty or poorly maintained.

Using disposable BBQs or camping stoves inside houses (or tents), or turning lawnmowers or cars on inside a garage, can also cause a build-up of carbon monoxide.

Anyone who is suffering from the symptoms listed above should contact NHS on 111.

Anyone who thinks their gas appliance is leaking excessive carbon monoxide should contact the National Gas Helpline on 0800 111 999.

It is with enormous sadness that the service notes the passing of Her Majesty The Queen.

The firefighters and staff of South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue extend our most humble condolences to all of the Royal Family.

The service, and our country, stands together as we honour Her Majesty’s passing and reflect on the legacy of an incredible reign filled with patriotism, leadership and an unwavering duty to public service.

Her Majesty has been an inspiration to the fire and rescue service throughout her reign and, like other local public services, we will be taking the appropriate steps to mark her passing and express our condolences in the coming days.

• Chief Fire Officer Chris Kirby

Residents in Rossington, Stocksbridge, Askern, Penistone and Dearne are being challenged to step up and join their local fire crews, as the county’s fire service launches another on-call firefighter recruitment drive.

New vacancies have arisen at the stations in each of these four towns – with more staff needed to keep the fire engines’ wheels turning and respond to fires, floods, road traffic collisions and other emergency incidents.

Fire officers say there has never been a better time to join the service, with South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue being rated as one of the country’s leading fire and rescue services in its last Government inspection.

“Our message to local people is simple – we need them!” said Station Manager Chris Tyler, who oversees the service’s on-call fire stations.

“On-call firefighters get the same training as wholetime staff, but they don’t work shifts. Instead, they carry a pager and respond from work and home when needed.

“This is one of the most unique jobs in the world as it requires a huge amount of commitment, bravery and determination.

“What we are asking is for people to consider making themselves available to respond to emergencies on top of their existing jobs and personal family commitments.

“It’s a big ask, but it’s also a huge opportunity and an exciting time to join our service. We need incredible people to fill our boots, and we know they are out there somewhere.”

Prospective on-call firefighters are required to live or work within five minutes of their local station, so they are able to get on the fire engine quickly if needed.

Calls can come in at all times of day and night – with existing staff claiming the adrenaline rush that comes with getting a call is one of the best parts of the job.

On-call crews are used right across the country to provide fire cover to more remote areas, with firefighters getting a ‘retainer fee’ for being on stand by, plus an hourly rate on top.

Recently, on-call staff have been involved in battling the flurry of wildfires attended by the service during the July and August heatwaves.

Officers say that without them, the service wouldn’t be able to run.

“We’ve long known how valuable our on-call crews are, but you only have to look at the heatwave we experienced in July to see how important they are.

“Some of our staff finished a day at work, got changed and then got on the fire engine to help deal with the unprecedented demand we faced – on the hottest day of the year.

“Their commitment is incredible and I’d encourage anyone who feels they would like a challenge to get on our website and give us their details. We’ll be in touch.”

You can register your interest in an on-call role with South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue on the service’s website, here.

The combination of working smoke alarms and retro-fitted sprinklers have prevented a potentially fatal fire in a Doncaster flat.

Firefighters were mobilised to Shaftesbury House, Doncaster, at 1.05am on Thursday 25 August, following a call from a resident.

This resident reports leaving their chip pan on the hob before falling asleep. Whilst asleep, the chip pan overheated and set light.

Working smoke alarms alerted the resident to the fire, prompting them to call 999 for help. At the same time, the sprinkler system activated – fully extinguishing the blaze.

Upon the arrival of fire crews, only some minor smoke logging in the flat remained. Nobody was harmed in the incident and the resident was quickly moved into a nearby flat.

“This is yet another clear example of how sprinklers can save lives and save property,” said Roger Brason, South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue’s lead sprinkler advocate.

“When the sprinklers were installed at Shaftesbury House and other high-rise buildings in Doncaster we said we were delighted, and this is why.

“Had it not been for the sprinkler system, this fire would have spread very quickly and could have caused significant damage to the property and, potentially, seriously hurt the occupant.

“Credit should also go to the working smoke alarms which alerted the resident who was asleep at the time of the fire. Together, these are two amazing devices.”

The sprinkler system in this flat was installed in 2019 as part of a joint initiative between South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue, St Leger Homes and Doncaster Council.

This initiative saw all three partner agencies come together to get sprinkler systems retrospectively fitted in all nine high-rise residential buildings across the Doncaster district.

Dave Richmond, Chief Executive of St Leger Homes, said: “This incident shows the effectiveness of the high-rise fire safety measures that we have put in place, and how important sprinkler systems are in safeguarding people and their homes.

“We will be providing help and support to the household affected and we strongly encourage all tenants to be careful about preventing fire in their home.”

Following several national examples showing the value of sprinklers in tower blocks, they are now mandatory in new residential buildings that are 11 or more metres in height.