Big Community Conversation questions and answers - Tyne and Wear Fire Services
NTSP Big Community Conversation questions and answers
Please see a list of the questions you can find below. Please scroll down to find the answers to each question.
1. Could part of the fire service operate on a pager system (like the RNLI) to reduce costs?
2. How many people are typically in a fire vehicle, and what is its capacity?
3. How does the fire service manage access in streets with heavy parking (e.g., Ravenswood Close, West Moor Drive)?
4. Would the fire service consider delivering workshops at Howden Hub or other youth centres?
5. Does the fire service provide free home checks or fire safety advice, and can they act on concerns like hoarding as a fire risk?
6. Besides responding to fires, what other services does the fire service provide?
1. Could part of the fire service operate on a pager system (like the RNLI) to reduce costs?
TWFRS does operate a pager system but currently only at one Community Fire Station at Chopwell. This system operates at that location due to the demographic of the area. In more densely populated areas, we are proud to be one of the quickest responding Fire Services across the country and aim to be at a risk Level 1 incident (Life/property at risk) on average within 6 minutes. There are no current plans to move to a pager system for stations in North Tyneside.
2. How many people are typically in a fire vehicle, and what is its capacity?
A normal fire appliance carries 4 firefighters, and it has capacity for 5.
3. How does the fire service manage access in streets with heavy parking (e.g., Ravenswood Close, West Moor Drive)?
Like all emergency services, our drivers are highly trained and, along with other personnel on the fire appliance, must perform dynamic risk assessments. If a driver believes they are unbale to access a road they will look for alternative routes, and where necessary, stop a greater distance from the incident and operate from there. These occasions are rare and TWFRS have produced several videos about inconsiderate parking and will always work closely with North Tyneside Council when specific roads are identified as problematic.
4. Would the fire service consider delivering workshops at Howden Hub or other youth centres?
This would depend on the type of workshop. If it is in conjunction with Fire Safety in the Home or Anti-social behaviour, we have a dedicated Prevention and Education team that may attend. Visits can be requested through the TWFRS website.
5. Does the fire service provide free home checks or fire safety advice, and can they act on concerns like hoarding as a fire risk?
Yes, the service does offer free Safe and Well checks, and if hoarding is identified during the visit, we will work with the occupier and other partners to address any potential hazards. Safe and Well checks can be requested via the TWFRS website.
6. Besides responding to fires, what other services does the fire service provide?
The fire service attends various other incidents, such as chemical incidents, animal rescues, road traffic collisions, water rescues from rivers and waterways, rescues from height, and other incidents where we can render humanitarian assistance. The service also works within the community, offering safe and well checks and we also, through our dedicated Fire Safety department, work with businesses to ensure they are compliant with all current legislation.