Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service news from the Gateshead district.Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has launched a campaign urging young people to have fun but stay safe this Bonfire Night. The fire and rescue service has produced an emotive video and posters that graphically show the real dangers of playing with fire, and the devastating effect it has had on the lives of four youngsters. Caitlyn Rutherford, aged 10, from Gateshead; Thomas Slasor, 12, from Byker; Grant McKenna, 14, from Walker and 18-year-old Sarah Hunter, from Carlisle, were all treated at the special burns unit at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary, having experienced horrific burns. In the video, which will be shown in schools throughout Tyne and Wear, they candidly recount their own heart rending stories of how they suffered their injuries and how their lives have changed forever as a result. Grant McKenna was just seven years old when he accidently set himself alight while playing with a lighter. He said: "The accident was seven years ago, but I still have to go into hospital for skin grafts. I've had three operations and still need some more. It is very painful - it's the most horrible pain you can ever feel in your life. When my skin gets tight I can't do outdoor sports until I've had another skin graft done." He added: "Children should keep away from fire and always let adults set off fireworks and bonfires." Caitlyn Rutherford is still receiving treatment after she was scarred for life when her skirt was set alight three years ago. She said: "I was in hospital for six weeks and the treatment did hurt a lot. I can't play out like normal kids and wear skirts. I've always got to wear pants to cover up my legs and I've got to put cream on. If I go on holiday or down to the beach I have to keep my legs covered up." Area Manager John Baines, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: &8220;We want everyone to enjoy Bonfire Night. However, bonfires and fireworks can cause devastating injuries and even kill you, so we&8217;re asking everyone to take extra care and make sure this doesn&8217;t happen to you or your loved ones. &8220;The run up to Bonfire Night is one of the busiest times for the emergency services. We would encourage everyone to attend professionally organised displays and to report any illegal bonfires that have been built to your local council. That way, we can all have a safe and enjoyable Bonfire Night.&8221; In the weeks running up to Bonfire Night, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service will be visiting secondary schools across Tyne and Wear to educate children and young people about the dangers relating to the misuse of bonfires and fireworks, and to highlight the consequences of anti-social behaviour against emergency workers. Fire crews will be conducting a series of inspections of outlets to ensure the safe storage of fireworks over the period. Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service will work closely with Northumbria Police to tackle the consequences of anti-social behaviour around the misuse of fireworks and bonfires. Superintendent Gillian Mitchell said: "We want Bonfire Night celebrations to be fun and exciting, and above all, safe. With this is mind, we would urge people to visit one of the many organised displays taking place across the region. As in previous years, we will be working closely with the fire and rescue service, local councils and other partners to prevent serious injuries and disorder. &8220;We would also encourage anyone with information about illegal bonfires to report it to their local authority. "By working together we can make sure Bonfire Night is remembered for all the right reasons.&8221; The Service is also working with local councils and other partners to make sure that as many illegal bonfires as possible are removed before they are lit, preventing hundreds of fires from starting and endangering life. Keep safe this year by following the tips below: &8226; Attend an organised display rather than having your own bonfire &8226; Report illegal bonfires that are being built to your local authority &8226; Call 999 to report any illegal bonfires that have been lit &8226; Remember: alcohol and fireworks don&8217;t mix &8226; Always supervise children around fireworks &8226; Never give sparklers to children under five &8226; Keep pets indoors &8226; Ensure you bring your wheelie bin in as soon as it is emptied - it is a target for arson if you don&8217;t! For more information and advice on how to enjoy a safe Bonfire Night visit www.facebook.com/bonfires (13 years) www.twitter.com/tyne_wear_frs or www.twfire.gov.uk/bonfirehttp://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?EntryId67=58188Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:58:26 GMT20111010125826Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:54:51 GMT20111010125451Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:58:26 GMT20111010125826Police are appealing for witnesses following a possible theft of cable from a Gateshead sub-station. At 8.43am today, Thursday, September 29 police received a cable theft report at an electricity sub-station on Inskip Terrace, Low Fell. It appears that thieves have forced their way into a sub-station and stolen the neutral conductor. Other public buildings in the area may have also been targeted. Police are appealing for anyone who may have been in the area and seen or heard anything suspicious to contact them. Engineers from CE Electric UK arrived on site at 8.14am and carried out an emergency interruption to the electricity supply after receiving reports that a number of properties had experienced overvoltage, causing damage to their electrical appliances. As a result, several residents in nearby buildings reported smoke coming from electricity plug points. No one has been evacuated from their property. The fire service are visiting local residents and and providing residents with safety advice. CE Electric UK has deployed their customer service van to site to supply hot drinks to those affected and company ambassadors are .checking on the wellbeing of vulnerable residents to ensure they are comfortable and their individual needs are met. Engineers from CE Electric UK are working to repair and replace the stolen component and each property will be individually checked to ensure it is safe before restoring the electricity supply. Insp Paul Hamilton of Gateshead Area Command said: "We want to remind people of the inherent dangers in attempting to steal live metal electrical components. "People who get involved in these type of thefts need to be aware they are risking their lives, and the lives of others. "Anyone who sees suspicious activity or vehicles where they live should report it to police." Area Manager Kevin Hepple, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, added: &8220;Electricity substations are extremely dangerous places - the equipment inside transforms power from the grid for local distribution at very high voltages - and these people are putting their lives at serious risk as well as the lives of others. Fire crews have been visiting houses in the area and providing general fire safety advice to householders.&8221; Any customers who have been affected by this incident or who have any concerns and would like to discuss this matter further can contact CE Electric UK&8217;s 24-hour customer relations helpline on 0800 66 88 77. Police are asking that anyone with information into metal thefts in their community contact Northumbria Police on 03456 043 043 ext 69191 or call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Callers to Crimestoppers may be eligible for a cash reward.http://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?EntryId67=58000Thu, 29 Sep 2011 17:04:16 GMT20110929050416Thu, 29 Sep 2011 17:02:31 GMT20110929050231Thu, 29 Sep 2011 17:04:16 GMT20110929050416The District Plans for 2011/12 have been published on the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service website. The purpose of the District Plans is to provide an overview of each districts approach to delivering services at a localised level whilst highlighting the performance and associated actions. The District Plans outline what priorities have been agreed by the District Manager and the initiatives being delivered to work towards achieving their aims and targets. Newcastle District Plan North Tyneside District Plan Gateshead District Plan South Tyneside District Plan Sunderland District Plan The District Plans are monitored throughout the year via our performance reporting process which involves key managers providing supporting evidence against the priorities agreed. The District Plans are shared with external stakeholders to demonstrate our relationship with our partners and they contribute to the performance and success of the Authority. For further information relating to a specific District Plan please contact the relevant District Manager, contact information is provided within the relevant district page and at the back of each District Plan.http://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?EntryId67=56091Fri, 17 Jun 2011 13:03:35 GMT20110617010335Fri, 17 Jun 2011 12:58:19 GMT20110617125819Fri, 17 Jun 2011 13:03:35 GMT20110617010335Fire officers are expressing their shock and disgust today (5 May 2011) as a result of one of their fire stations having been burgled and seriously damaged during the night. Entry was forced into Gateshead West Community Fire Station in Chopwell, Gateshead during the night. At this stage it looks as though a number of computers have been stolen and various rooms within the fire station have been completely ransacked. The fire and rescue service is estimating that there has been several thousand pounds worth of damage to the fire station. As a result of the damage the fire station is not operational and at this stage it is not known when it will be back in operation. Area Manager Chris Lowther, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: "We are absolutely appalled that someone could stoop so low as to actually break into, steal from and seriously damage a fire station. We are here to protect the community and cannot believe anyone would want to stop us from being able to do this. I'm sure local people will be as shocked as we are to hear this news. We would appeal to anyone who may know anything about the burglary to contact the police." The fire station has one fire appliance and is staffed using a rota system from 12 part time oncall firefighters. As well as providing an emergency service the station is used to promote fire safety in the local community. It includes a Community Safety Centre and Young Firefighters Association (YFA). The station is also used for training. The community fire station was built in the 1970s and recently had a Community Safety Centre added to the existing station with modern IT presentation capabilities, a meeting room with a computer suite, which are available for the local community to use. Along with the full time community fire station at Gateshead North Community Fire Station in Swalwell, the fire station covers the Chopwell and Rowlands Gill area of Gateshead. Cover for the area will be provided by Gateshead North Community Fire Station until the fire station is back up and running. DCI Mark Warcup of Gateshead Area Command said: "We received a report of a burglary at a fire station in Chopwell on Thursday May 5. We attended the scene at 7.30am this morning and investigations are underway. We are appealing for any witnesses who may have heard or seen anything suspicious in the area overnight.Officers are patrolling the area and we reassure the community that we are taking action. Anyone with information should contact Gateshead Outer West CID on 03456 043 043 ext 69191."http://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?EntryId67=55238Thu, 05 May 2011 14:05:12 GMT20110505020512Thu, 05 May 2011 11:30:01 GMT20110505113001Thu, 05 May 2011 14:05:12 GMT20110505020512As part of Climate Week, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) are carrying out a number if initiatives over the week. We have teamed up with The Energy Saving Trust (EST), a driving simulator will be located at Service Headquarters (SHQ) for three days, staff can test their skills concerning efficient driving and establish skills which will assist in driving down CO2 emissions from Service vehicles. An advice stand from EST will be located in SHQ. We are holding &8220;The Big Green Quiz&8221;, this quiz will be posted on the intranet pages, all TWFRS staff will have the opportunity to enter and the winning entry will receive an Efergy Elite wireless energy monitor that could help you reduce your energy bills at home (www.ethicalsuperstore.com based in Gateshead has kindly donated the monitor). If more than one completely correct entry is received, or there is a tie for the most correct answers, the winner will be drawn at random. Three runners-up will also receive a 4 gigabyte memory stick. Groundwork North East are also inviting people who live or work in Bensham and Saltwell, Gateshead, to go on a walk in the area on Thursday 24th March from 2pm at Shipley Art Gallery for a one hour walk and on Thursday 31st March from 2pm at St Chad's Community Project at Liddell Terrace for a one hour walk. Participants will be exploring the local area following a Bensham and Saltwell walking map.http://www.twfire.gov.uk/news/news/?EntryId67=54091Mon, 21 Mar 2011 09:29:10 GMT20110321092910Mon, 21 Mar 2011 09:11:31 GMT20110321091131Mon, 21 Mar 2011 09:29:10 GMT20110321092910