South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue
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Last chance to have say on draft fire service plans

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.

New bin collaboration anything but rubbish for Rotherham residents

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.

Firefighter hails charity’s mental health support amid Christmas number one bid

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 put firefighters amongst favourites for Christmas number one

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

Firefighters stake Christmas Number One claim with Fire Safety Dance song

Pre-order nowBig 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 service wins appeal against revocation of Barnsley explosives licence

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.

Fire service objectives laid out in draft plans to be considered by councillors

South Yorkshire’s fire service has set out its objectives for the next three years, in draft plans to be considered by local councillors.

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.

The only 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.

The draft plans will be considered by the service’s governing Fire & Rescue Authority on Monday 25 November. The Fire Authority is made up of 12 members from across South Yorkshire’s four councils.

If approved for consultation, the service will then consult with the public and its own staff on the proposals.

For more information visit the Fire Authority website here

Service on song with dementia charity Lost Chord

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue is celebrating a new partnership with dementia charity Lost Chord that will see fire safety messages incorporated into music making sessions.

The national charity, which supports over 10,000 people annually across the UK and has roots in South Yorkshire, has been transforming the lives of people with dementia and other neurological conditions through the power of interactive music for 25 years.

Its regular Tea and Tunes sessions at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre became a vital lifeline for many living with dementia and their carers, along with isolated people from across the city, creating a place where they could feel connected, supported, and alive through the universal language of music.

In the face of venue and refreshment costs, however, Lost Chord UK was forced to make the difficult decision to relocate Tea and Tunes.

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue offered the use of its Handsworth-based training and development centre in Sheffield free of charge, ensuring the sessions will continue in a safe, accessible environment.

But the partnership goes beyond just providing a venue because Lost Chord UK and SYFR have now developed the idea of a Community Chorus, an initiative that will use music not only to engage but to educate.

By incorporating important fire safety messages into the sessions, the aim is to engage attendees in a fun and interactive way that could ultimately save lives.

Jean Collingwood, CEO of Lost Chord said: “We believe this truly exciting collaboration is the first of its kind in the UK.

“By partnering with SYFR, we can combine our expertise in music with their community safety goals, creating a truly innovative project that serves both the hearts and minds of Sheffield’s residents.”

Toni Tranter, partnership manager at South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue said: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to partner with Lost Chord on this pioneering project and it’s a real pleasure to be able to host the Community Chorus at our Training and Development Centre in Handsworth.

“We know that people living with dementia are at a greater risk of suffering a fire due to their condition so to be able to share important safety messages through the power of music is a fantastic opportunity for us and aligns with our mission to create safer and stronger communities.”

The Community Chorus sessions, which are free, dementia-friendly and open to everyone begin on Monday October 28, with two further sessions planned for Friday November 15 and Monday December 9, all from 1 to 2pm at the South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Training and Development Centre, Beaver Hill Road, Handsworth, Sheffield, S13 9QA.

Lost Chord UK’s talented musicians, supported by the Lost Chord UK volunteers, will lead the sessions, working alongside SYFR to incorporate essential fire safety messaging into the music-making.

“Our musicians are already doing what they do best, improvising and collaborating with local people to create opportunities for them to shine,” said Jean.

“This has been a true team effort and I couldn’t be prouder of our volunteers and musicians for their tenacity and to our partners at South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue for making this partnership possible.

“For the people of Sheffield, this new initiative represents an exciting opportunity to socialise, connect with others, learn new skills, and engage with their community in a way that is both fun and potentially life-saving.”

For more details, visit the Lost Chord UK online community diary at the charity’s website www.lost-chord.org.uk

Ends

 About Lost Chord UK 

  • Lost Chord UK is a charity that uses the transformative power of interactive music to improve the health and well-being of people living with dementia and other neurological conditions.
  • Based in South Yorkshire and celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, Lost Chord UK reaches over 10,000 people nationally each year through its innovative music sessions in care homes, nursing homes, and the wider community. Released on behalf of Lost Chord UK by John Highfield PR. For further information call 07776 180911 or email: info@johnhighfieldpr.co.uk

Firefighters launch heartfelt campaign urging people to “be there” for their older relatives

Firefighters are calling on families to check in on their loved ones as part of a new fire safety campaign.

The campaign, Be There For Them, launches with the publication of an animated video created by renowned animator and illustrator, Gary Andrews, whose portfolio includes working on hit children’s programmes such as Horrid Henry.

The heartfelt film focuses on a man reflecting on his life and relationship with his mum before it ends in tragic circumstances.

The aim of the campaign is to encourage families and caregivers to take basic steps to keep their older loved ones safe from fire – whether this be by making sure they have smoke alarms fitted and tested regularly or by carrying out an online home safety check with them on the Service’s website.

It’s in response to the latest fire statistics that show the those over 60 and living on their own are one of the groups most at risk of a serious house fire.

Chris Tyler, Group Manager in South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue’s Community Safety team, said: “This deeply moving film highlights the importance of staying connected with our older relatives, especially in our busy lives.

“One life lost in a house fire is too many – that’s why we’re proud to be launching the campaign today to encourage our communities to look out for their older relatives and help keep them safe from fire.

“A really simple way you can do this is to carry out a free online home safety check with your family through our website.”

At the end of this check, you will be provided with safety advice relevant to you. Then, if you are eligible for a visit, you will be asked to submit your contact details and we will then contact you to arrange an in-person visit.

Top armed forces award for fire service’s gold standard support

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue (SYFR) has been given the top award by the Ministry of Defence for demonstrating its commitment to the armed forces community.

SYFR has been named a Gold award-winning organisation under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), delivered locally by the Reserve Forces & Cadets Association for Yorkshire & Humber.

The ERS consists of three award levels – bronze, silver, gold. Each level indicates an organisation’s commitment and involvement to offer support programmes that align with the scheme’s framework.

The main objective of the scheme is for employers to endorse their employees who are military personnel (current, former and associated) and enable development opportunities that support their current or past duty to the forces with their civilian employment. The scheme also encourages overall support of the general armed forces community.

To win gold, employers must provide extra leave for reservists and have supportive HR policies in place for reservists, veterans, cadet volunteers and spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces.

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue also now has a well-established Armed Forces staff network, organises social events for the armed forces community and runs ‘have a go days’ for veterans considering a career in the fire and rescue service.

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Station Manager Gary Devonport, said: “We’ve worked really hard to achieve gold status. At South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue we recognise the invaluable contribution members of the Armed Forces Community make.

As a service we want to promote the fact we are a Armed Forces friendly organisation and being awarded the Gold award further celebrates all of the positive action we are taking in support of the Armed Forces community.”