Shining a light on an evening that almost spelled disaster for Sheffield is the focus of a new video released by South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue.

The video titled “The day Sheffield nearly blew up”, is a conversation between Chief Fire Officer Chris Kirby and retired firefighter Arther Levick.

During a wide-ranging conversation that touches on the Cuban Missile Crisis, how firefighting has changed since the 1960s and the shadow of the Second World War, the video culminates in Arthur’s recollections of a fire at Effingham Street gas works that almost ended in disaster in the late 1960s.

Arthur said: “When I received my long service medal from the late HRH the Queen, it said on it that it was for exemplary service, and I can’t think of a greater example than that night at the Effingham Street gasworks. It felt like I really became a firefighter that night.”

Chris Kirby said: “Major disaster was averted by the actions of Arthur, his colleagues and many members of staff at the gas works that night.

“It’s often the case that if there is a major incident that does result in mass fatalities, those are the emergencies that are remembered and memorialised. But there are many occasions in a firefighter’s career where, through their actions, disaster is averted and not remembered. I hope that through this interview we can change that for Arthur and his colleagues.”

It is the latest episode in a series of videos called Fire Stories, published to give the public a unique insight into South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue.

The most recent episode, released to coincide with the service’s 50th year, featured a conversation between the current Chief Fire Officer, Chris Kirby and former Chief Harry Wright.

All videos are available to watch on YouTube.

We have a number of station open days, events and car washes planned this year.

Below is a list of all the current stations holding an event.

Station Open Days

Lowedges station – Lowedges Road, Sheffield, S8 7JN – Saturday, 28 June 2025 between 11am and 3pm

Rotherham station – Fitzwilliam Road, Eastwood, Rotherham, S65 1ST – Saturday 12 July 2025 between 10am and 4pm

Aston Park Station – Worksop Road, Aston S26 2FZ  – Saturday 13 September 2025 between 11am and 3pm

Car Washes

There are currently no car washes planned.

All charity car washes are in aid of The Fire Fighters Charity.

Events

Biker Down sessions – Dearne station, Manvers Way, Rotherham, S63 5DN.

The new sessions will take place from 6.30pm to 9.30pm at Dearne Fire Station on:

· 22nd May
· 26th June
· 24th July
· 21st August
· 25th September

Places are limited so please email bikerdown@syfire.gov.uk to secure your place.

Giving motorcyclists the skills to ride safely is the aim of a relaunched training course delivered by South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue (SYFR).

Almost 200 powered-two-wheeler riders were injured in a collision on South Yorkshire roads in 2023, 100 of those crashes were serious or fatal.

The free Biker Down! programme offers motorcyclists of all ages the chance to learn practical skills to help avoid being involved in a collision, as well as essential first-aid training and advice on what to do should they find themselves first on the scene where someone is injured.

The session is based on the hugely successful initiative originally devised by Kent Fire & Rescue Service and is being delivered as part of the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership’s (SYSRP) Vision Zero work.

Chris Tyler, Group Manager at SYFR said: “If you were the first on the scene of a collision involving a biker, would you know what to do?

“By equipping motorcyclists with the skills and knowledge they need to ride safely, we hope it will help us to reach our shared long-term ambition of ending all death and serious injury on South Yorkshire’s roads.”

The session is both classroom and practical based, giving riders who are first on the scene the awareness of how to manage the area for everyone’s safety, and provide basic first-aid skills if needed. While themed around a collision involving a rider, the skills and knowledge are equally as useful if you come across any vehicle collision whether four, three or two-wheeled. For example, as a rider you are more likely to filter through stationary traffic and be confronted with a collision as the reason for the build-up or come across an incident on remote country roads.

The new sessions will take place from 6.30pm to 9.30pm at Dearne Fire Station. Places are limited so please email bikerdown@syfire.gov.uk to secure your place.

Full list of dates for Biker Down sessions:

· 24th April
· 22nd May
· 26th June
· 24th July
· 21st August
· 25th September

Plans have been submitted for a major refurbishment of a long-standing Sheffield fire station.

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue wants to take Elm Lane fire station ‘back to brick’ to create a safe, modern and sustainable building for firefighters.

The service had originally intended to build a brand new fire station on the same site, but soaring construction costs made this unachievable.

Instead the refurbishment will change the layout of the station, creating new training and rest areas.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Simon Dunker, said: “We’re committed to providing our firefighters with the best possible buildings, vehicles and equipment with which to serve their communities. Whilst rebuilding the station entirely proved unaffordable, these plans will still achieve our aim of creating a safe and energy efficient building for our crews for many years to come.”

Elm Lane Fire Station in Sheffield has an interesting history. It was initially transferred from the National Fire Service after World War Two and was originally housed in a converted wartime building.

The station later became part of the South Yorkshire County Fire Service when it was formed in 1974, following the amalgamation of several local brigades. Over the years, it has seen various upgrades and changes.

Before Elm Lane Fire Station was built, the site was home to Cliffe House, a large country house constructed in 1805.

Cliffe House was no longer a private residence by 1934 and was eventually demolished in the late 1950s to make way for the fire station which is currently based on the site.

The station hosts one full time fire engine, crewed by firefighters operating a four watch system.

South Yorkshire residents have less than a week to feedback on their fire service’s objectives for the next three years.

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue says it wants to remove inefficiency, boost performance and embed an inclusive workplace culture as it strives to become one of the country’s leading fire and rescue services.

A change to how it responds to 999 calls would see a vehicle which is used to respond to small incidents like grass and bin fires move from Cudworth to Dearne fire station. The fire service says this would be a better location for the vehicle based on incident data- analysed as part of a full review of all its fire stations and fire engines.

The proposals are set out in the service’s draft Community Risk Management Plan 2025-2028.  Every fire service publishes plans like these to tell local people the steps they will take to make them safer and address risks in their local area.

You can view South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue’s draft Community Risk Management Plan 2025 to 2028 here.

You can feedback on the plans using the survey here.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Simon Dunker, said: “Responding to emergencies efficiently and effectively remains our number one priority as a fire and rescue service. But we also deliver other important work to make local people safer and our Community Risk Management Plan is a way we demonstrate how we combine all our resources to address risks in South Yorkshire. Now we want local people to feedback on those plans- as well as our other objectives for the next four years.”

The draft plans were considered by the service’s governing Fire & Rescue Authority on Monday 25 November, who approved the service begin consulting with its staff and the public on the proposals. The Fire Authority is made up of 12 members from across South Yorkshire’s four councils.

The consultation will close on 7 February 2025, before the final plans are considered by Fire Authority members on 17 February.

Thousands of people in Rotherham will be safer from fire thanks to a new arrangement between the council and fire service.

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue and Rotherham Council have signed an agreement which means the addresses of up to 7,000 properties which receive assisted bin collections will be passed onto the fire service so that specialist staff can offer free smoke alarms and advice on stopping blazes to residents.

The council offers assisted bin collections to people with a disability or medical condition which prevents them from putting their bins out on their own. With known links between people receiving assisted collections and risk of fire, the agreement has been put in place so the fire service can contact people living at those addresses to offer them help.

Toni Tranter, Joint Community Safety and Early Intervention Manager at South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said: “So many of the people who needlessly die in house fires are known to another agency whether that’s a local authority, social housing provider or health partner. Through collaborations with other public services such as this we hope that we can plug the gap and create a safer South Yorkshire for everyone.”

Cllr Simon Ball at Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, said: “It’s great that we can partner with South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue to use our data to benefit our communities. Many residents who get an assisted waste collection have a disability or medical condition, so we’re pleased to be able to work with South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue to provide people with even more support to keep them safe.”

Between 2019 and 2024, 16 people died in house fires in South Yorkshire and fire service investigations finding that issues such as hoarding, drugs, alcohol and mental health problems frequently contributing to the fires starting.

If you know someone who you think may be at risk, carry out an online home safety check with them today.

A Barnsley firefighter has backed a charity campaign to raise money for 999 mental health support.

Dan Nortcliffe, a Watch Manager at Tankersley fire station, struggled with his own mental health following divorce and childhood bereavement.

Now he’s calling on others to open up and seek the support of organisations like Fire Fighters Charity- which a push for the Christmas number one spot is trying to raise funds for.

Dan said: “After my divorce and dealing with the death of my dad when I was just 10 years old, I found myself struggling with poor mental health. I wasn’t feeling great about life and it was affecting my work and personal life.

“Recognizing the need for support, our occupational health team recommended that I try the online counselling services provided by Fire Fighters Charity. I was hesitant at first, but I knew I needed help.”

Dan reached out to the charity and was connected with one of the charity’s counsellors, who made a profound impact on his journey to better mental health.

“The counsellor was amazing. He helped me build my own coping mechanisms and provided a sense of stability that I desperately needed. One thing he said that will stick with me forever is, ‘I’m not going anywhere, I’m here while ever you need me.’ That assurance meant the world to me.”

Dan’s story is not unique. Poor mental health is a significant issue for many emergency service workers, including firefighters. However, there is a growing recognition that it is okay to speak about these struggles.

“We work in a service that has historically predominantly male-dominated, and in South Yorkshire, we were taught to ‘man up.’ But society is slowly realising that showing emotions doesn’t mean we are weak. This applies to all firefighters, regardless of our differences.”

South Yorkshire Fire & Resue has invested heavily in mental health support for its staff, including a 24/7 helpline and setting up peer-led support for firefighters following traumatic incidents.

Fire Fighters Charity also plays a vital role by providing essential mental health support to firefighters. Their services, including online counselling, offer a lifeline to those in need, helping them to navigate their mental health challenges and build resilience.

Download ‘The Fire Safety Dance’ for 99p today to support the charity’s mission: Big Shaun and The Steel People – The Fire Safety Dance

If you are affected by the information in this story you can call the Samaritans on any phone, at any time on 116 123.

Bookies have South Yorkshire firefighters ahead of Sabrina Carpenter and Sam Fender in the race for Christmas number one, after more than 130,000 people viewed a music video in less than 48 hours.

The song, Fire Safety Dance for the Fire Fighters Charity, has been created by a local band, Big Shaun and the Steel People.

It celebrates the work that firefighters do day in, day out to keep the public safe and aims to raise money to support the mental health of fire service staff.

William Hill has made the song 33-to-one shots for the festive summit- well ahead of many international artists and early favourites for the coveted top spot.

Andy Strelczenie, Deputy Chief Fire Officer at South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said: “It’s incredible to think that South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue could make it to the top of the charts this Christmas.

“But the best part of it would be the amount of money that would have been raised for the Fire Fighters Charity who do such important work to support firefighters with their health and wellbeing.”

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue is calling on young people aged 16 or under to submit their own attempts at the ‘Fire Safety Dance’ as part of the chart topping campaign.

“I’m putting up £100 of my own money as a prize for the best dance. You don’t need any dancing ability or if your mobility is limited, any movements are fine. All you need to do is send us a video of your dance, or tag us on social media before the chart is announced on 20 December,” said Andy.

The bid for the Christmas Number One is the final part of the service’s 50th year anniversary celebrations.

The single is officially released on Friday (13 December) or is available to pre-order now

Or watch the video here

Pre-order now: Big Shaun and The Steel People – The Fire Safety Dance

Watch the video here: (593) The Fire Safety Dance – Big Shaun and the Steel People for the Fire Fighters Charity – YouTube

Firefighters in South Yorkshire are aiming to become the first ever fire service to score a Christmas Number One – and raise vital money to support the mental health of firefighters across the country.

The song, Fire Safety Dance for the Fire Fighters Charity, has been created by a local band, Big Shaun and the Steel People, and celebrates the work that firefighters do day in, day out to keep the public safe.

The song, and accompanying video, is being released to raise money for the Fire Fighters Charity which aims to help firefighters live healthier and happier lives, including extensive mental health support.

The video also includes a specially created dance by local dance school INK Dance.

Andy Strelczenie, Deputy Chief Fire Officer at South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said: “It’s incredible to think that South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue could make it to the top of the charts this Christmas.

“But the best part of it would be the amount of money that would have been raised for the Fire Fighters Charity who do such important work to support firefighters with their health and wellbeing.

“During their working hours, firefighters can be exposed to truly traumatic and difficult circumstances. It’s only in recent years that we’ve begun to appreciate how deeply this can affect our staff and what we can do to help them, and the Fire Fighter’s Charity are a big part of that.”

Alex Byers, Regional Fundraiser at Fire Fighters Charity, says: “On behalf of everyone at Fire Fighters Charity, I want to wholeheartedly thank all those involved in South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service for organising this fantastic fundraiser in aid of us.

“Members of our fire services community can face significant pressures every day, and we’re here to ensure they always have somewhere to turn for support, throughout their lives.

“The funds – and vital awareness – raised through this song, which has such a powerful message, will help us to continue to be there for thousands of them every year. Thank you.”

The bid for the Christmas Number One is the final part of the Service’s 50th year anniversary celebrations.

The single will be released on Friday 13 December, with the video available to view from today (Monday 9 December).

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue would like to thank Shaun and the Steel People, Pinders print & display, Ink Dance and Cuckoo Films for their support in this campaign.

Fire officers have welcomed a judgement upholding its decision to revoke an explosives storage licence in South Yorkshire.

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue inspecting officers revoked the licence of a Mr John Hebdon in 2022, following concerns about the licensee’s ability to safely store fireworks at a site in Barnsley.

The decision to revoke the licence was upheld at an appeal hearing earlier this year at Sheffield Coroner’s Court, following two days of witness evidence provided by Business Fire Safety inspecting officers.

The court heard that Mr Hebdon routinely failed to store fireworks in accordance with the Explosives Regulations over a prolonged period of time and obstructed officers from carrying out their lawful duties on multiple occasions.

Now fire chiefs are reiterating their commitment to upholding fire safety legislation and protecting the work of their business fire safety inspection teams.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Andy Strelczenie, said: “We will not stand for people obstructing the work of our inspecting officers, who play such an important role in keeping local people safe. Unsafe sites also put our firefighters at risk, should an emergency occur.

“Explosives licence regulations, like all fire safety laws, are there to protect the public and prevent emergencies. Whilst we’ll always try to work with licence holders, we are not afraid to use our powers to take appropriate enforcement action and revoke licensees when the safety of firefighters and the public is placed at risk.”

With certain exceptions, an authorisation is required for the acquisition, keeping, transfer, storage and/or manufacture of explosives- including fireworks.

More information is available on the fire service website here.