Fire ravages The Claremont Hotel in Eastbourne, England, leading to partial collapse The Claremont Hotel in Eastbourne has suffered critical damage following a fire, with part of the Victorian seafront hotel collapsing. The Claremont Hotel is a Grade II listed building located in the Sussex town and found itself ravaged by flames after a fire broke out while most of the guests there were eating their breakfast. Since the fire, part of the rear wall of the hotel has now collapsed following reports that a chimney “appeared to be moving”, according to the East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS). No-one has been injured as a result of either the blaze or the infrastructure collapsing, but the building is still unstable and two fire crews, as well as building control, are still monitoring the situation. According to a spokesman for the Wealden District Council, the fire service contacted building control about one of the chimneys, “which appeared to be moving.” “The wind direction changed which led to the rear wall of the hotel structure collapsing internally on the existing debris,” he said. Further investigations will take place once the building is deemed safe. According to the owners of The Claremont Hotel – Daish’s Holidays – “significant damage” to the hotel has been made, to the point that the damage to the hotel, which dates back to the 1850s, was “devastating”. The company have also said that there were 130 guests and staff members in the building when the fire broke out and that close to 60 firefighters and 12 fire engines were on the scene at the height of the fire. While no-one was seriously harmed, the ambulance service said that six people were treated for small injuries, while one person was sent to hospital with breathing difficulties.

London Fire Brigade nutritionist claims first after scooping top award A London Fire Brigade nutritionist has been recognised with a top accolade for his work to improve the healthy eating habits of firefighters. Greg Lessons, who is the first ever dedicated nutritionist employed by a fire and rescue service, won ‘Nutritionist of the Year’ at the Caroline Walker Trust awards. Greg was chosen from some tough competition, with leading nutritionists from around the country vying for the prize. Greg, a firefighter for 17 years at  Shoreditch, Leyton and most recently Hornchurch fire stations, began studying for a Masters in Nutrition at London Metropolitan University five years ago. His dissertation focussed on firefighter nutrition and how firefighters could improve their health by eating better on duty. After graduating with a distinction, Greg was appointed as a full time nutritionist for London Fire Brigade and is now on a long term secondment. He works with firefighters to develop personalised nutrition plans, helping them to make healthier food choices and also holds food preparation masterclasses with firefighters across the capital. Greg said: “To be awarded the title of ‘Nutritionist of the year 2019’ is fantastic and I’m thrilled beyond belief! I was judged against four eminent UK nutritionists and I’m so proud to be chosen. “It was also an honour to represent the Brigade and to raise the profile of nutrition, health and wellness in the workplace. A huge thanks goes to everyone who has supported me along the way.” Greg explained more about his work as a nutritionist, he said: “Firefighters work extremely busy shifts and can be called out on a shout any second. For that reason, they tend to eat large portions and quickly. They also work anti-social hours and, like many other night workers, often want quick energy so their choice of snacks are often not the healthiest.” Greg, who is now studying for a PhD, was up against leading nutritionists in his award category. He continued: “We know firefighters need to be fit to do their job and eating the right diet is essential to achieve this. Also, nutrition can significantly impact mental health and be used as a valuable tool in reducing stress, anxiety and depression.”

SFRS nominated for top emergency service award at Excellence in Fire & Rescue Awards The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has been nominated for emergency service of the year. A shortlist announced for the Excellence in Fire and Rescue Awards 2019 has seen SFRS nominated as the top performing fire and rescue service in Britain However, it was just one of three nominations, with the Service also being nominated for Emergency Services Collaboration of the year and the Service’s Director of Finance and Contractual Services Sarah O’Donnell was also nominated for the Most Influential Woman in Fire award. Winners will be announced at the glittering ceremony at One Great George Street in the heart of Westminster next month, December 6. Martin Blunden is the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Officer. He said: “We are absolutely delighted to be shortlisted for these awards alongside colleagues from across the UK. “To be shortlisted is in itself an achievement, particularly given the incredible, innovative work that is taking place the length and breadth of the country –  not only by  fire and rescue services, but by the partners and organisations that work alongside us every day to help keep communities safe. “My congratulations also go to Sarah O’Donnell – this is a much-deserved award nomination. Sarah’s role in ensuring SFRS continues to deliver a world-class service in a difficult financial environment can never be understated. “I am incredibly proud of what this Service has achieved so far, and my thanks has to go to every one of our staff members. It is your hard work and dedication that has earned these nominations. “Our best wishes go to all nominees on the big night.” Director Sarah O’Donnell was nominated in her category alongside five other candidates which includes South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Deputy Chief Officer Alex Johnson, and Chair of the Asian Fire Service Association, Yasmin Bukhari. Director Sarah O’Donnell said: “It is an honour and privilege to be nominated for this award alongside esteemed colleagues from across the UK. “The standard of nominees in this category is incredibly high, and I have to give thanks to all the staff in my directorate who have helped make such a nomination possible.” SFRS was nominated in the Emergency Service’s Collaboration of the Year for its work with Emergency One, Clan Tools and Coldcut Systems in introducing a new fleet of Rapid Response Units for rural stations across Scotland. Nominees from all categories, which also include Unsung Hero of the Year and Project of the Year, will be judged by a panel which includes National Fire Chiefs Council Chair Roy Wilsher.

Life-saving Road Safety initiative from DSFRS wins military commendation Staff from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (DSFRS) have been awarded a prestigious military commendation for their services to the military by helping to create a bespoke road safety initiative: ‘Survive the Drive’, aimed at reducing road traffic collisions within the Armed Forces, Royal Navy, RAF and Marines. DSFRS Watch Manager Chris Boston, Station Manager Laura Pratt, and SAFE South West Charity Co-ordinator  Steve Smith and Crew Manager Dan Lester were awarded the Vice Chief of Defence Staff Commendation alongside the Queen’s Birthday Honours. The awards were made by Admiral Tim Fraser CB ADC at a ceremony at the Ministry of Defence Main Building in Whitehall at the end of October. The team designed and produced a high quality and thought-provoking training programme, Survive the Drive delivered across military bases in the south west with the aim to reduce incidents of road traffic collisions within the armed services, who are statistically more at risk of a road traffic collision (RTC) than their civilian counterparts. “Survive the Drive, builds on the strong partnership network between defence and the Fire and Rescue Services” said Laura Pratt, Station Manager at Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. “We are delighted to receive this commendation and to have played a part in creating this valuable addition to road safety initiatives”.  

FSC approved to deliver NFPA accredited training outside of UK The Fire Service College (FSC) – the Home of Firefighter Development, has become the first centre outside of North America to achieve Pro Board approval to deliver training in overseas territories to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards. Under the rules for Pro Board Accreditation, centres are restricted to deliver training within the territory in which they operate. The approval from Pro Board allows the delivery of training outside of the United Kingdom, which is a significant development for the FSC. In order to gain this approval, the FSC worked closely with the International Safety Training College (ISTC) Malta, where the College delivered an NFPA Pro Board certified course to Maltese learners, whilst being assessed and validated by a member of the Pro Board executive team. In recognition of the achievement, the Pro Board Accreditation Manager, Frederick Piechota said, “As the result of the Site Visit conducted by a representative of the Pro Board to observe certification testing conducted by the FSC in Malta, the Pro Board has determined that the parameters for Out of Country Certification Testing that were established by the Board of Directors of the Pro Board  have been met and that any certifications that were issued are valid and may be processed into the Pro Board’s International Certification Registry. Our thanks to the College for its support.” Ted O’Brien, Director of Product and Quality, FSC said, “This approval underlines our position as a leading provider of firefighter training both at home and abroad. It acknowledges that the FSC is working to the most widely recognised fire and prevention standards in the world – those of the North American Fire and Rescue Services. This new approval from Pro Board opens up new opportunities for the Fire Service College, allowing us to extend the delivery of recognised, accredited training to new and existing international customers.” This latest development supports the FSC’s vision of becoming a true Centre of Excellence for both UK and international Fire and Rescue Services. As the home of firefighter development, the FSC is a unique resource in the UK and is one of the world’s premier fire training venues, attracting customers from around the globe to train in a world-class facility with internationally recognised credentials.

TJ Fire & Security grow business by purchasing Prompt Fire Protection TJ Fire & Security recently took a huge step forward as a company by announcing they had completed the purchase of Prompt Fire Protection. Established in 1973, T.J. Fire & Security is an independent company based in Welwyn Garden City.  Protecting large and small businesses across the county with installation and maintenance of fire and security products, they provide their customers with the best possible service and the quality products by adhering to the highest standards in the fire and security industry. Formed in 1991, Prompt Fire Protection has been based in Welwyn Garden City since it was formed.  Offering cost effective, efficient and reliable maintenance of fire extinguishers in London and the Home Counties.  Prompt Fire Protection adhere to the British Standards for fire extinguisher maintenance. Steve Green, Proprietor of Prompt Fire Protection said, “I chose to partner up with T.J. Fire & Security because I am planning to retire in a few years, and I want my existing clients to be looked after by a local company that has the same values as I do.  T. J. Fire & Security offer lots of additional services so I am hopeful that will also benefit my clients with their wider needs, saving them money long term as well.” Natalie Higgins, Managing Director of T.J. Fire & Security said, “We are very pleased and proud to be working so closely with Steve, he has serviced and maintained his clients to an excellent standard, something we have always admired.  We look forward to working with his clients and bringing them on board with our business with the same level of care, attention and workmanship that Steve has supplied them since 1991.  Moving forward, T.J. Fire & Security’s partnership with the Prompt Fire Protection management team will focus on continuing to integrate our two businesses, and we look forward to working alongside Steve as we do this.”

Knox joins forces with National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) As a major component of the Knox Company’s continued commitment to reducing firefighter risks, a partnership with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) has been formally established. The two organizations share many important synergies along with the goal of reducing risks that firefighters face daily. “In the development of each rapid access product, increasing firefighter safety has always been one of the Knox Company’s primary objectives,” says Joni Trempala, President of the Knox Company. “The opportunity to be a partner with the NFFF and to provide support is a small way for us to demonstrate our respect and honor for those that have died in the line of duty; while providing some comfort to their surviving family members.” The partnership includes a general donation to the NFFF, as well as a donation earmarked for the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend held annually in Emmitsburg, MD. That weekend provides a time of sharing and healing for families and co-workers of firefighters who have died in the line of duty. Included in the tribute for those being honored are Honor Guard and Pipe Band Units from throughout the nation. Every year families express their gratitude for the love and honor bestowed at the national tribute for their family member. “The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation thanks the Knox Company for their generous donation and support,” said Chief Ronald J. Siarnicki, Executive Director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. “They have been supportive of firefighter safety for more than 40 years and we welcome their participation with the Foundation.”

Streamlight names new Kelly Swope as their new National Accounts Manager Streamlight have announced that Kelly Swope has been promoted to the role of National Accounts Manager for the Industrial/Fire Division. In her new role, Swope will be responsible for driving sales in her division and contributing to the overall sales plan. Additionally, she will be responsible for developing and managing relationships with key national distributor accounts. “Streamlight welcomes Kelly to the industrial and fire division, where we are confident her expertise in marketing and sales will assist the team in reaching its sales goals,” said Streamlight Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Michael F. Dineen. “Kelly’s strong marketing background is a huge asset to the company.” For the past four years, Swope served as Trade Show Coordinator in Streamlight’s Marketing Department. She coordinated 85 trade shows annually and managed the budgeting process. Prior to joining Streamlight, Swope served as Marketing Programs Coordinator for Blendco Systems, where she coordinated more than 12 trade shows and planned the company’s annual distributor meeting. Swope holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications/Public Relations from the University of Scranton. Streamlight, Inc. has more than 45 years of experience making tough, durable, long-lasting flashlights designed to serve the specialized needs of professionals and consumers alike. Since 1973, the company has designed, manufactured and marketed high-performance flashlights and today offers a broad array of lights, lanterns, weapon light/laser sighting devices and scene lighting solutions for professional law enforcement, military, firefighting, industrial, automotive and outdoor applications.