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Extra PFI funds
FIRE MINISTER Parmjit Dhanda has announced that fire and rescue authorities in England can bid for a share of the extra £130m of Private Finance Initiative (PFI) funding that is now available for long-term projects. The money can be used to provide new vehicle fleets, modernise existing fire stations and build new stations with a community safety focus. This addition to the £400m of PFI funds already invested in the service reflects the Government’s commitment to reducing accidental fire-related deaths in the home by 20% and arson by 10% by 2010.
Fire director
SHONA DUNN became the new director of Fire and Resilience at Communities and Local Government (CLG) at the end of August, building on a 12-year career in planning and policy roles with the department and its predecessors. Her previous post, held from 2007, was head of Sustainable Buildings, where her remit included all aspects of the building control system.
FPA course dates
DUE TO popular demand, the Fire Protection Association (FPA) is running two extra training courses over the next couple of months. Taking place on 24-25 September, the Fire detection and alarm systems for the workplace – Core module focuses on the legal requirements and the components of alarm and detection technology. The other course, Fundamentals of emergency lighting and fire legislation – Core module, will be held on 6 October and covers the basics of emergency lighting. Both courses will be run at the FPA offices in Moreton in Marsh, Gloucestershire.
To find out more or book a place, contact the FPA on e-mail: training@thefpa.co.uk or tel: +44 (0)208 884 4050
Chief to retire
CHIEF FIRE officer Paul Young CBE, FIFireE will retire from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service on 31 December 2008, after a distinguished career spanning 35 years. Mr Young – who is also a past president of the Institution of Fire Engineers – has served as a chief officer in southwest England for 17 years, making him the longest current serving chief in the UK. He played an instrumental part in the creation of the combined Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service – one of the largest in the UK.
Parliament blaze
A MASSIVE fire on 19 August gutted the main building of Egypt’s upper house of Parliament in central Cairo. At least 13 people were hurt in the incident, which caused severe damage to an archive room and several meeting chambers. Firefighters supported by more than 12 appliances battled the blaze, while army helicopters were used to douse the flames with water from the River Nile. Reports indicated that parts of the wooden top-floor ceiling collapsed during the firefighting operation. Despite fears that the fire might spread, it was contained several hours after breaking out. The probable cause was an electrical short circuit on the top floor of the building.
Lightning toll
SEVERAL WILDFIRES caused by lightning damaged a total area of 240 acres in southern California in mid-August. The fires spread through remote parts of Los Padres National Forest, about 20 miles east of Santa Maria. They were still burning after five days, although reports indicated that no buildings were under threat. The firefighting operation involved 10 helicopters, two aerial bombers and more than 300 firefighters. As Fire Risk Management went to press, the wildfires were reported to be 5% contained, with an estimated 3.5 miles of defensive ‘fire line’ still to be built.
Partners in crime
IN JULY, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) delivered a one-day pilot course for county police officers, covering the work and procedures of its fire investigation officers and arson task force at scenes of fire crimes. The training module included a practical exercise involving the excavation of a real fire scene. HFRS’s partnership initiative with Hampshire Constabulary reflects the need for high-quality training at crime scene investigator level and for more understanding of each agency’s roles in progressing forensic investigations.
Selection success
A NEW book, How to Pass the UK’s National Firefighter Selection Process, has been produced to help candidates prepare for an operational job in the UK fire service. Written by Mike Byron, the book contains practical advice on each stage of selection, as well as tests with answers and feedback to improve scores. It fully complies with the new national assessment structure, covering the more demanding application process and changes in the written and physical test stages.
The book is published by Kogan Page, www.koganpage.com, price £10.99 in paperback (ISBN 9780749451615)
Memphis victims
SEVEN PEOPLE died in a house fire in Memphis in the US state of Tennessee on 16 August. According to the local medical examiner, the victims – still to be formally identified – died of smoke inhalation and burns, and DNA analysis may take up to eight weeks. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but initial indications are that it started accidentally. Local media reports suggest that a 38-year-old woman was inside the house at the time of the incident, along with four of her children and two other relatives.
Export guide
THE NEW Exporter’s Guide to EU Construction Markets provides key online information for boosting export orders in the construction industry. Developed by publishers Construct UK and the IRB Frauhofer Institute of Germany, the guide is a one-stop information source of construction-specific sales and marketing data, and lists contacts, events and markets in 27 European Union member states.
The guide is available from: www.constructEU.com
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