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

A young person from Barnsley taking part in a fire service development scheme has been praised by paramedics for coming to the aid of an older person.

Harry Prew arrived late for a session at Barnsley fire station as part of South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue’s Prince’s Trust Team Programme.

It was only later that it was revealed he’d discovered an older man in a ditch. He called the emergency services- waiting with the man and making him comfortable until the ambulance service arrived on the scene.

Paramedics later dropped in to personally thank Harry for the caring attitude he showed.

Prince’s Trust Team Leader John Daley, said: “Harry has been very modest about his actions, but he displayed great professionalism and compassion and is another example of the amazing potential in all young people.”

Team Programme is a 12-week personal development course for unemployed 16 to 25 year olds, offering work experience, qualifications, practical skills and community projects.

Individuals will gain new skills and qualifications, mix with new people and make new friends, get help with job-hunting and CV writing and most importantly a big boost to their confidence and a real sense of achievement.

To sign-up to the next programme starting in May, email princestrust@syfire.gov.uk.

The fire service’s governing Fire Authority has decided to increase its portion of Council Tax by £5 next year, at its budget setting meeting today (Monday 20 February)

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue faces a multi-million pound deficit in the coming years as a result of increased costs of goods, services, fuel and energy- plus the impact of nationally negotiated wage increases for its staff.

Householders in Band D currently pay £77.58 per year for their Fire and Rescue Service, which will now rise to £82.58 per year from April- an increase of less than 10p per week.

The service has previously outlined the financial risks it faces in its medium term financial plan. It will be making a commitment to find new savings in an efficiencies plan to be published next month.

A £5 precept rise adds about £1.8million to the service’s annual budget of around £60 million.

However, rising utility prices and forecast wage increases are likely to add at least £4 million to the service’s annual expenditure.

Fire Authority Members made their decision on Council Tax at the fire and rescue authority meeting on Monday 20 February.

The fire service’s governing Fire Authority will decide whether to increase its portion of Council Tax by £5 next year, at its budget setting meeting later this month.

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue faces a multi-million pound deficit in the coming years as a result of increased costs of goods, services, fuel and energy- plus the impact of nationally negotiated wage increases for its staff.

Householders in Band D currently pay £77.58 per year for their Fire and Rescue Service, which would rise to £82.58 per year if the rise is approved- an increase of less than 10p per week.

The service has previously outlined the financial risks it faces in its medium term financial plan. It will be making a commitment to find new savings in an efficiencies plan to be published next month.

A £5 precept rise would add about £1.8million to the service’s annual budget of around £60 million.

However, rising utility prices and forecast wage increases are likely to add at least £4 million to the service’s annual expenditure.

Fire Authority Members will make their decision on Council Tax at the fire and rescue authority meeting on Monday 20 February.

A Sheffield apartment block has had a prohibition notice lifted, after work to address serious fire safety concerns was completed.

Fire safety inspecting officers from South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue served a prohibition notice on Wicker Riverside in December because previously identified issues with the building had not been resolved.

The notice had been due to come into force on 31 January- but work undertaken by the responsible persons to address the issues means it has now been lifted. Residents previously evacuated from floors six to 10 of the building have also been allowed to return.

SYFR Assistant Chief Fire Officer Andy Strelczenie, said: “Prohibiting the use of a building in this way is always a last resort and we are sorry for the disruption and distress this has caused to all those living there. Ultimately though, people’s safety must come first.

“We are reassured by the efforts taken by the responsible persons to resolve matters within the building. The remedial work completed is the minimum required to keep people safe and we will continue to engage with the responsible persons to ensure the remaining issues with the building are effectively resolved.”

The fire service originally served an enforcement notice on Wicker Riverside in December 2020 and continued to engage with the responsible persons since then to ensure the safety issues identified by inspectors were resolved.

SYFR is responsible for enforcing fire safety laws in South Yorkshire. It employs fire safety inspecting officers who carry out fire safety audits. If the inspecting officer identifies any fire safety deficiencies, they have a range of options available to them- including issuing a prohibition notice.

A prohibition notice is a legal notice. Where there is a serious and imminent risk to life fire safety inspecting officers can prohibit or restrict the use of premises. If the premises continues to be used against the prohibition notice, then anyone failing to comply with the notice may be prosecuted.

South Yorkshire’s fire service says it is has already taken significant steps to improve its service, following publication of a national inspection report

The report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate for Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) identified several areas for improvement- as well as many areas of good practice.

Inspectors said the service is ‘good’ at looking after its people, but needs to improve under the ‘effectiveness’ and ‘efficiency’ inspection categories. The service is rated as ‘good’ in seven out of 11 sub-categories.

Chief Fire Officer Chris Kirby, said: “The report highlights many areas of good practice across the service and we are proud of these positive findings. We are particularly proud to be rated ‘good’ for People- with those we employ our most important and valued asset.

“However, we acknowledge there are also areas for improvement and we will use this report to drive further improvements to our service for the people of South Yorkshire.

“We’ve already addressed several of the areas identified in the report and believe we have made significant improvement since the inspection team visited us last summer.”

Improvements South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue has made since the inspection team visited, include recruiting more on-call firefighters, beginning to overhaul its Occupational Health Unit and delivering more work to implement nationally developed guidance for firefighters.

The report follows an inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) in summer 2022.

It is the second time South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue has been inspected since HMICFRS extended its remit to include inspections of fire and rescue services in 2017.

The inspectorates assesses and reports on the efficiency, effectiveness and people management qualities of the 45 fire and rescue services in England. Services are rated either ‘inadequate’, ‘requires improvement’, ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ under each of these.

The planned prohibition of the use of an apartment block in Sheffield is still expected to proceed as planned, due to serious fire safety concerns.

Fire safety inspecting officers from South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue served a prohibition notice on Wicker Riverside on 5 December because previously identified issues with the building had not been resolved and interim measures which had been in place can no longer be considered interim.

The notice comes into force on 31 January- which coincides with the expiry date of a previously served enforcement notice and allows time for residents to find alternative accommodation.

SYFR Assistant Chief Fire Officer Andy Strelczenie, said: “Prohibiting the use of a building in this way is always a last resort, particularly when it will cause so much disruption to those living there. Ultimately though, the safety of the residents must come first. Our hearts go out to all those affected by this horrendous situation, but we simply cannot allow this unsafe situation to continue.

“We’ll continue to work closely with the responsible persons to ensure the matters within the building can be resolved. Responsible persons are now making efforts to remediate issues within the building as quickly as possible and the prohibition notice will be removed as soon as we believe it is safe to do so. But as things stand, we fully expect the notice to come into force on 31 January.

“Alongside Sheffield City Council, we’ve been meeting with residents regularly to help explain what the notice means and to support them in finding alternative accommodation.”

The fire service originally served an enforcement notice on Wicker Riverside in December 2020 and has continued to engage with the responsible persons since then to ensure the safety issues identified by inspectors were resolved- but this has not happened within the timescales set out in the notices.

The issues with the building include its internal fire compartmentation- things designed to stop a fire from spreading throughout a building- and the external cladding.

SYFR is responsible for enforcing fire safety laws in South Yorkshire. It employs fire safety inspecting officers who carry out fire safety audits. If the inspecting officer identifies any fire safety deficiencies, they have a range of options available to them- including issuing a prohibition notice.

A prohibition notice is a legal notice. Where there is a serious and imminent risk to life fire safety inspecting officers can prohibit or restrict the use of premises. If the premises continues to be used against the prohibition notice, then anyone failing to comply with the notice may be prosecuted.

We’re aware of the ongoing gas supply incident in parts of Stannington and Hillsborough.

Whilst agencies work together to resolve this issue, fire service staff will be visiting the area to provide safety advice to local people.

If you’ve lost your gas supply, please:

• Be careful not to overload electrical sockets– we know people may be using more electrical items to cook or heat their homes, but most extension leads and adapters can only take a maximum of 13 amps
• Take care with electric heaters– keep them away from soft furnishings and don’t use them to dry clothes, as this is a common cause of fires
• Beware of unsafe heating practices– things like candles and camp stoves are not safe for heating your home and are another common cause of fire